Winter 2021Beware the coming winter of discontent

The icy wave of a pandemic is on its way to Britain as the year draws to a close.

You are probably thinking I am talking about Covid, which has been biting again since the autumn, or even the flu which we so often ask you to get immunised against.

But this year, mental health dominates my thinking – and yes, I am worried about it.

High schools are using trauma techniques to settle the minds of young people – which says much about the anxieties our children have faced through a long lockdown and then a stuttered return to education.

Growing up in our fast-paced society meant they were already the most susceptible group to mental health problems before Covid. Organisations such as CAHMS are there to help, though I am aware of an influx they are facing.

Adults too are feeling the strain of returning to work with the long lingering shadow of Covid. But there are other anxieties too, not least financial pressure. Initial statistics showed unemployment levels doubled during lockdown, and there is the flipside of this – a lack of trained people in posts.

This can result in increased stress at work. And since goods and services have been affected by the skills shortage, an added nightmare before Christmas of not being able to do everything from essential household repairs to sourcing food and presents.

A long wait for medical appointments is also expected. We all feel gloomy when we are ill, and it can breed problems such as depression. The temptation to blame NHS staff can be tempting but dealing with a crisis has also left them physically and emotionally exhausted.

With services depleted, how do we find time to heal our minds? I have always believed mental and physical health are intrinsically linked and should be treated with the same seriousness. Easing up on the alcohol (which is a depressant) is a good start, as is examining your diet. Exercise releases positive endorphins in the brain, which will make your body and mind feel better. Talking is important, too. Organisations like The Samaritans are often equated with suicide prevention, but they can be great to help you beat isolation and problem-solve.

Occupying the body and mind, while positive, is not always successful. Poor mental health may have roots in much deeper things, so moments of crisis mean seeing your GP is paramount. We can offer medical support to stabilise conditions such as anxiety, depression and even psychosis.

Finally, it would be remiss not to mention rough sleepers, who suffer with the direst mental and physical health in society. Please do your bit to support them through charities: if you can, also talk with them about the issues they face.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Dr Chauhan OBE is a respected GP, health and social care campaigner, and champion of social justice and charity. As a local GP, he has become a powerful advocate for his patients and introduced innovative methods to improve their care. His work mentoring and employing young people has won national recognition and he was awarded an OBE in 2020 for his creation of the Homeless-Friendly charity.