The hidden cost of this Covid-19 crisis is to the nation’s mental health – it’s crucial the government steps up to help

From healthcare staff to families that have lost loved ones and those struggling in isolation – this pandemic will have a lasting effect. We have to build a better future

Our country faces its biggest crisis in a generation in the form of coronavirus. It is taking its toll on us all in different and often dreadful ways. The physical cost has been the health of hundreds of thousands of people. Tragically, more than 36,000 have died, each one a friend, a neighbour, a family member.

There is also very clearly a financial cost. Despite the furlough scheme, unemployment is already at its highest level for almost a quarter of a century. Most of us will know people facing uncertainty through no fault of their own.

But the hidden cost of the pandemic is the impact on the collective mental health of our nation. Mental Health Awareness Week is always a poignant moment but this year it feels more important than ever.

We must help each other through the worst of this crisis, particularly our key workers who are at the front line of the pandemic, those living alone or people who have lost a loved one. And when this crisis is over, we must build a better future: one that puts both mental and physical wellbeing at its heart.

That means addressing the overwhelming pressure on those at the front line of the battle against coronavirus. Our health and care workers are heroes – but they are not invulnerable.

Many NHS and care staff have been forced to face this virus without adequate protective equipment. Lack of PPE leaves those on the front line in fear – fear for their own health and fear of spreading the virus to others.

While we celebrate and clap our carers every week, we should remember that many are struggling, working under extraordinary pressure, and this will have long-term effects. Psychologists have already spoken of their concern about the impact of post-traumatic stress. One in five health professionals say they are more likely to leave the profession due to Covid-19.

That’s why Labour has called for an urgent national package of mental health support for healthcare staff, including Post-traumatic stress disorder support. And it’s why we raised concerns this week that just 0.1 per cent of the NHS workforce has used the dedicated mental health hotline set up last month. The government must ensure that mental health provision is available for all NHS workers and care staff, now and for as long as they need it.

Of course, healthcare workers aren’t the only ones who are struggling. This is an immensely difficult time for all of us. The isolation which many are experiencing during lockdown is having a huge impact, particularly on those with existing mental health conditions. Meanwhile, families who have lost loved ones are often unable to properly say goodbye, worsening the trauma of their bereavement.

Each of us has a part to play. It’s important we support neighbours, friends and loved ones who might be struggling during this period. The national solidarity during this crisis has been inspiring. We should channel that going forward, with a better future built on kindness – the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

But it’s also crucial that the government steps up, with immediate help for those who are most at risk, such as people who are shielding alone and those with pre-existing mental health conditions.

Finally, looking beyond this crisis, we need to ensure mental health services have the resources they need to cope. This means having an ambition and commitment to truly putting mental and physical health on a par, and promoting the positive sources of mental wellbeing while tackling the negatives.

I know this crisis can feel endless and claustrophobic. But do not stop hoping or helping one another. We will get through this. When we do, a better future is possible and we will build it together.