Oldham doctor warns of impending mental health crisis
Date published: 07 April 2020
National health campaigner Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE
A GP on the front-line of treating Coronavirus patients has asked anyone experiencing a lockdown low NOT to feel bad about contacting health services if the situation becomes too much for them.
National health campaigner Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE is also profoundly worried that those in need of mental health support are not keeping up with their treatments and instead are miring themselves in alcohol, smoking, drinking and eating addictions.
“I am hearing of patients who can’t go to counselling and are not reordering important medication such as antidepressants, because they don’t want to bother the busy NHS,” said the Oldham GP.
"That is so troubling.
"Mental and physical health have, and always will be, on a par and I am concerned that conditions such as desperate low-mood could become killers.”
The founder of the Homeless-Friendly health programme for rough sleepers, Dr Chauhan says he has seen the impact of debt, poverty and worklessness on people’s wellbeing – leading to breakdowns and even suicide.
And that was in usual times.
The prolonged period of self-isolation and fear of infection increases anxiety exponentially, says the Doctor.
“Isolated patients are experiencing problems such as sleeplessness, eating disorders, loneliness and lack of motivation," he added.
"For some, that cannot be cured with a dose of stiff upper lip and considering yourself more fortunate than others.
"These are deep-rooted issues which, like any other chronic illness, need proper medical treatment."
Two major contributors to the growing feel of unease, argues Dr Chauhan, are irresponsible social media posts and a lack of leadership at Government level.
He added: “Fake news and the deliberate creation of hysteria are as dangerous as the virus itself, and I am concerned that mixed, muddled and befuddled messages are coming from senior politicians.
"As the adherence to social distancing has shown, most people want to contribute to a national effort to beat COVID-19, but are just so confused as to what to do.”
Whilst not demeaning the severity of any mental health condition, Dr Chauhan asked people to remember their coping mechanisms and if they can, they should:
* Try to stick to a routine, which includes getting up and dressed as if it were a working day
* Set achievable goals via a list and tick them off when completed
* Exercise outside, according to Government instructions on social distancing
* Limit online time and watch who you are receiving your Coronavirus news from
* Think mindfully and in the moment, and don’t try and get too far ahead worrying about the future and,
* Make sure you have the necessary medication and use it as instructed
Amongst the don'ts are obsessing over the news around Coronavirus, listening to gossip rather than robust news, self-medicating with drugs and alcohol and believing you need to “tough out” a mental health problem on your own.
Concluded Dr Chauhan: “Medics may have to prioritise, but we look at all patients with sickness, mental or physical with the same compassionate eyes and work with them.
"As professionals who have endured and are continuing to experience stress, we know what mental health issues feel like.
"Please do not be ashamed, feelings are natural but when they spiral out of control, we all need help so – approach us.
"COVID-19 has claimed so many lives not because of the virus, but because of secondary illnesses such as pneumonia and sepsis.
"Let us not add mental health issues to that list.
"What we do have to accept is that these are uncharted waters.
"But we will get through them together, body and soul.”
Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.
