Sheffield referrals for mental health plunge in lockdown

Mental health charities say they are concerned people may not be seeking help, despite suffering increased stress and anxiety during the coronavirus crisis.

Last April, NHS statistics show that 1,535 people were referred to psychological therapies for depression and anxiety in the NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group area. But the latest figures show that this April, the number had fallen to just 150 – a drop of 90 per cent.

There was also a drop in the number of patients who began therapy during the month – 540 compared to 1,100, a fall of 51 per cent.

Danielle Hamm, associate director for campaigns and policy at charity Rethink Mental Illness said the figures reflected the "significant disruption" to mental health services during the initial pandemic response. Research carried out by the charity in April found 79 per cent of people with pre-existing mental illnesses said their mental health had deteriorated because of the pandemic, while 42 per cent said this was the case because they were getting less support.

Ms Hamm said: "We’re very concerned to see the number of referrals dropping so rapidly at a time when a significant number of people reported a deterioration in their mental health, combined with an increase in waiting times for those who have sought help."

Dr David Crepaz-Keay, from the Mental Health Foundation charity, said the figures were "troubling", but that the health service is only one source of support for mental health.

"There are many other ways the Government can support the mental health of the millions who have been especially hard-hit by the pandemic. This includes action to increase people's financial and physical security, so they don't have to fear running out of food or fuel or being evicted, as well as wider changes such as more health visitors to support new parents, and mental health support for people who work in the NHS."

An NHS spokesman said the pandemic had turned lives upside down, but that therapy has always been available for those who need it.

Dr Zak McMurray, Medical Director at NHS Sheffield CCG said: “We have made sure that during the pandemic a full range of talking therapies are available to those who need help via our Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) service. Although they have had to change how therapy is delivered, using telephone consultation and video conferencing rather than in person, we continue to offer the same level and range of treatment. The service has also developed a four week ‘coping with COVID’ course designed to support people with psychological distress relating to the COVID pandemic.

“During the initial stages of the lockdown period referrals to IAPT services did fall significantly, in line with a reduction in the number of contacting their GP. Referral rates are however beginning to increase, to around 250 per week. The average number is around 350 per week.”

There are a full range of talking therapies available to those who need help via the Sheffield Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) service https://iaptsheffield.shsc.nhs.uk/. Patients can self-refer to IAPT or discuss via their GP

There are a number of helplines available in Sheffield should anyone require urgent help and support:

Sheffield mental health crisis line (available 24/7): 0808 801 0440

Helpline for urgent mental health support and advice relating to COVID-19: 0114 226 3636

Helpline for Children and Young People seeking urgent mental health support and advice: 0808 275 8892

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