Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This pandemic has touched the lives of everyone. Life as we knew it was snatched away and replaced by a new normal, one that nobody wanted. Even the strongest among us struggled to cope. Even the hardiest did not escape unscathed. The advice of health experts focused primarily on protecting ourselves and others from becoming infected. This emphasis is to be expected during a pandemic. Guidance on staying physically well is vital at this time. While there is an ever-increasing awareness of the mental health damage being caused by the pandemic, it does appear to have taken a back seat as we journey through Covid-19. In times of life-threatening crisis, both physical and mental health should and must be treated equally. Mental health must form a central part of the overall response to Covid-19. This pandemic has shone a light on the deficiencies in the mental health service. The cumulative results of years of underfunding mean that services are not readily available to the growing number of people who desperately need them. It is alarming to note that 76% of respondents said they had to withdraw the mental health services they usually provide because of the pandemic. Not only is the reduction in services alarming, it is frightening. Part of the reason is an inability to facilitate face-to-face consultations. Telephone or virtual consultations are available, but they do not suit everyone.

At a time when research shows that one in three adults in this country reports suffering anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, as a direct result of the ongoing situation, their cry for help must be heard and they must be accommodated. When the need for help reaches this level, mental health services must be adequately funded and upgraded to allow them to meet this demand. This is what happened in the provision of physical care. This clearly indicated the need for a dedicated mental health task force.

As the vaccine comes on-stream, many people will need support when they emerge from this pandemic. This will be a challenging and overwhelming time for some. It also underscores the urgent need to re-establish a dedicated lead for mental health within the HSE, not just for now, but for future mental health needs.

Many of those reaching out for help are elderly, living at home or in nursing homes. Emphasis has been placed on protecting our older generation from this virus. We have isolated them to keep them safe. We have cocooned them to keep them well. We have kept their families, including their grandchildren, away from them. We have kept them apart from everyone. This was all done with the best of intentions. No one disputes its necessity. We diligently protected them physically, but the mental health of our elderly suffered immensely.

The majority of older adults are acutely aware of the greater risk to them from the pandemic. This awareness comes with worry and anxiety. They also have concerns about access to medical care. They fear hospitalisation due to the risks. Every day they read and hear of others succumbing to Covid-19. They worry about their families when they cannot see them. They hearts are breaking because they will not share this Christmas with their loved ones from overseas. Despair fills their minds.

They are shouldering a far greater burden of stress than generations before them and yet the mental health support they receive is limited at best and non-existent at worst. It should be a central part of their care. We have zoned in so completely on protecting their physical health that their needs as human beings have been cast aside. Today's motion tabled by the Regional Independent Group seeks to support community actions that strengthen social cohesion and reduce loneliness. This includes supporting activities that help isolated lonely adults to stay connected.

At the other end of the age spectrum, 2020 has been a horrible year for young people. Not alone have their normal social activities been prohibited, but they have been singled out and targeted as virus spreaders. Many young people now consciously isolate themselves from their families. As we try hard to put old heads on young shoulders, we turned a blind eye to the sacrifices we are asking young people to make. The result is that youth mental health services, such as Jigsaw, have reported a 50% increase in demand. Loneliness, boredom, isolation, concerns for parents and grandparents and an increased dependence on interaction only on social media have all played a part in that. For young people emphasis should be placed on providing and promoting care in the community. This is of particular importance to this age group. They will be more reluctant to seek help if it might involve treatment in an adult institution. In a dedicated community setting, young people will be much more inclined to seek it out.

Our motion calls for a strengthening of communication strategy to support a national campaign to highlight the mental supports available. Overall, good health is a key objective for us all. Physical and mental health are interdependent. Without one, we cannot fully enjoy the other.

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