Adult mental health and mental health services
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Healthwatch South Tyneside wanted to gain a clear picture of the pandemic’s impact on the mental health of adults in the area. They undertook a survey to which 196 people responded.
Over two in five would not consider themselves to be someone who struggles with their mental health. Over a quarter had a formal diagnosis for a mental health problem (primarily Anxiety and/or Depression), and 28% disclosed that they sometimes struggle with their mental health.
Nearly three in five rated their mental health and wellbeing as good (net score) in the 6 months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and at the present time, 42% of respondents explained that they felt it was worse than before, but a similar percentage rated their mental health and wellbeing as about the same as before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Since the start of the pandemic, 49% of respondents said they had had trouble sleeping, with 55% explaining that they had sought solace in food, either by comfort eating or restricting the amount they ate. A quarter of respondents admitted to drinking more alcohol.
In the last 6 months, over half of respondents said spending time with friends and family or exercise had supported their mental health and wellbeing. Over seven in ten of those who either struggle with their mental health or have been diagnosed with a mental health problem said they have used professional services such as a G.P. or counsellor to talk about their mental health and wellbeing in the past. Amongst those who hadn’t done this, barriers to seeking help were waiting list timings (29% of respondents said this) and discomfort at the thought of discussing topics of this nature with a professional (29%). 45% of respondents did, however, indicate that they didn’t perceive themselves to require this level of support and had not sought it as a result.
Where respondents disclosed that they had sought professional help in the past, they were asked if they had been supported by specific mental health services in the last 2 years. 41% said they had reached out to their G.P., with a further 33% having been supported by Lifecycle Service.
Overall, 39% of respondents who had accessed G.P. services to support their mental health and wellbeing rated their experience as excellent. Around a quarter of those who had accessed services prior to and during the pandemic felt the changes made to service delivery to adhere to Government guidelines had had a negative impact. 42% of respondents felt a reduction in the waiting times for appointments would improve the service provided.
50% of respondents who had accessed Lifecycle Service rated their experience as excellent. 11% of those who had accessed services prior to and during the pandemic felt changes made as a result had had a negative impact. 63% of respondents felt a reduction in the waiting times for appointments would improve the service provided and 29% felt the length of treatment should be reviewed.