Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West, Mark Ward has called on Minister for Health to provide additional resources for those suffering additional mental health issues due to the outbreak of COVID 19. Deputy Ward, who is also a behavioural therapist, has concerns how social distancing and self-isolation could have a detrimental impact on peoples mental wellbeing. Deputy Ward is asking people to self-care and to be mindful of other people
Deputy Ward said: “I have contacted the Minister for Health this morning and asked that his department provide additional resources for Mental Health services during this difficult time” “The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, can be worrying. This can affect your mental health.”
“I agree that social distancing, self-isolation and taking personal responsibility are key in combatting this virus and in keeping ourselves and our community safe. However, these measures could adversely affect people’s mental health. Some people might find it more worrying than others” “I have spoken to a number of people recently that are extremely worried and who have concerns about their own mental health and how they will cope”
“Some people may suffer from increased anxiety, feeling stressed, feeling insecure or unsettled, feeling helpless or a lack of control and feeling alone” “I am asking the Department of Health to put measures in place that will help people through this challenging time”
“We can mind ourselves and others in a number of ways. Staying in regular contact with family and friends by phone, texts and social media platforms will help yourself and others feel connected”
“Only reading information from reputable sources on COVID 19 will lesson the worry. I urge everyone to be mindful of what the share on social media as the sharing of non-factual information can increase anxiety and frighten people.” “Getting into a regular routine could be difficult but Id ask people to self-care by eating a balanced diet, getting in some regular exercise and also to keep a regular sleep routine” “The COVID 19 outbreak is a difficult time for us all but if people can be kind, thoughtful and considerate to themselves and others it will make a difficult time that bit easier”
