Coronavirus has created a new source of anxiety – but we will always take mental health seriously

There is light at the end of the tunnel, Harriet Hall writes, if we are all open about our concerns

Friends and colleagues are coming together in a crisis (Getty/iStock)

Lockdown is storing up a “tsunami of mental health problems”. That’s according to a warning from the Royal College of Psychiatrists this week.

It isn’t a surprise, of course. The coronavirus pandemic has led to widespread confusion, anxiety, loneliness, grief, depression and an increase in domestic violence as well as giving rise to financial concerns. One of the many apprehensions surrounding how the world will look after this unimaginable crisis has ended is how, as a society, we will get back on our feet – and who will be there to support us when we do.

There is light coming through the cracks: on an anecdotal level, I have noticed colleagues, friends, family and contributors to The Independent speaking more openly about their mental health and their emotions than ever before. It is no longer unusual for someone to tell you they are struggling – because we all are, to varying degree. Phrases such as “how are you feeling?” and “how are you coping?” have replaced the boilerplate “hope you’re well”.

This Mental Health Awareness week on the lifestyle desk, we have spoken to people who are anxious about lockdown easing, who are grieving the loss of loved ones and who are concerned about family members in care homes whom they haven’t been able to see or speak to for months. We have compiled guides on how to cope, recommended products that may ease moments of gloom and opened up about new insecurities that have arisen during this time.

We will always continue to take mental health seriously at The Independent and we appreciate the contribution of our readers’ stories and thoughts on the matter.

Yours,

Harriet Hall

Lifestyle editor