Much of that affects our mental health and as yet no one can even guess at the toll it’s taken. What we do know is that Covid-19 has caused a tsunami of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychological and mental distress. Around 90% of mental health ­problems are managed entirely in the community (primary care), and GPs say around 40% of their workload deals with mental health. Patients with long Covid describe the fear, uncertainty and despair caused by persistent symptoms and emphasise mental health support as a key part of their recovery. And remote consultations for mental health issues have increased, with the loss of face-to-face interaction between doctor and patient undermining the close relationship that is essential for effective mental health care.

Source: Daily Mirror August 08, 2021 15:56 UTC