World Mental Health Day: Northamptonshire public health boss believes 'tsunami' of issues will come from coronavirus

Referrals to mental health services rising in county while providers face challenges in giving much-needed support
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A "tsunami of mental health issues" should be expected to come from the coronavirus pandemic, according to the boss of public health in Northamptonshire.

Northamptonshire County Council director for public health Lucy Wightman revealed referrals to mental health services are rising in the county at a virtual press conference yesterday (Friday, October 9).

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"There is a tsunami of mental health issues coming - I know from personal experience how it impacts on you," she said ahead of World Mental Health Day today (Saturday).

Northamptonshire County Council director for public health Lucy Wightman on the virtual press conference yesterday (Friday, October 9)Northamptonshire County Council director for public health Lucy Wightman on the virtual press conference yesterday (Friday, October 9)
Northamptonshire County Council director for public health Lucy Wightman on the virtual press conference yesterday (Friday, October 9)

"It's anxiety-inducing, it's isolating and that translates into more referrals for low-level mental health services."

Covid-19 cases have doubled in Northamptonshire in the past week and residents have been warned to expect further restrictions from Monday to tackle the rising infection rate.

Ms Wightman appreciated the weight on people's shoulders to listen to all the different guidance while constantly fearing contracting the virus.

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The public health chief admitted coronavirus also poses challenges for providers who may not be able to meet people face-to-face but the issue is being discussed at the highest county level.

"This is something all agencies are concerned about and it's something we are looking at from a commissioning perspective to make sure we are providing services in an appropriate way," she said.

"That's the challenge we face to provide these services in a covid-safe way when people need them so we have seen referrals rise but we are doing everything we can to support people."