Up to 10 million may need extra mental health support

The government and the NHS must urgently prepare to meet increased need for mental health support in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

Analysis published by Centre for Mental Health, Covid-19 and the nation's mental health: October 2020, uses a toolkit developed from research into the mental health impacts of coronavirus and previous disease epidemics to estimate how many people will need support for their mental health in its wake.

It estimates that about 8.5 million adults and 1.5 million children in England will need support for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and other mental health difficulties in the coming months and years. That is the equivalent of 20 per cent of all adults and 15 per cent of all children.

According to the charity, two-thirds of people who will need mental health support have existing mental health difficulties and may already be receiving care and treatment. The pandemic may mean they need more support, while others will need help with their mental health for the first time.

The estimate is based on international research and a ‘demand model’ developed with experts from the NHS. It includes estimated numbers of people who need mental health support as a result of bereavement, those who are traumatised by being treated for the virus, and people who lose their livelihoods as a consequence of the recession.

Sarah Hughes, chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health, said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have been monitoring the impact on mental health and the lives of people with mental health difficulties. We have identified the risks and the unequal impacts of Covid-19 on both mental and physical health. The extent of the crisis is becoming clearer every day.

“There is a rising tide of distress that will over time require effective and compassionate care and support. The government and the NHS must act now. We must not leave the nation’s mental health to chance.”