It has started already – the increase in admissions to psychiatric hospitals due to COVID-19.
The Saint John of God hospital in Stillorgan – a private facility – is experiencing a stark increase in admissions due to COVID-19, with 50% of admissions in the past month alone related to the pandemic, they say. COVID-19 has also been a factor in recent admissions to St Patrick’s Hospital Mental Health Services in Dublin.
It’s not just existing patients that are affected by the crisis. They are also admitting new service users who are struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, addiction and issues related to severe social isolation.
Even individuals from the health sector overwhelmed by stress have been admitted.
Mental Health Reform, the national coalition that represents 75 mental health-related organisations, is demanding a cohesive response programme to tackle the expected surge.
“The mental health burden of COVID-19 could continue well into the future,” CEO Fiona Coyle says.
“The pandemic is already resulting in increased demand for mental health services and supports across the country. If the public health crisis is not to give way to a national mental health crisis, it is imperative that the Government prepare for a surge in demand for mental health services and this should be reflected in the prospective programme for government.”
Given that there already existed a lack of community mental health services and acute beds for psychiatric patients before this started, Ms Coyle is looking for more than this surge preparation. She also wants fundamental changes to policy.
“To support preparation and planning to protect people’s mental health in the months ahead, the Government must immediately publish the refresh of A Vision for Change, Ireland’s new national mental health policy, and appoint an implementation group for this policy, capable of developing a mental health recovery plan for the country.”
Funding must be ring fenced too, she believes.
“It is also essential that the Government commit to protecting mental health funding and invest in services so that they are quick and easy to access for people, if and when they need them.”
In the case of Saint John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, management say they have seen a number of healthcare workers being admitted to the hospital due to acute work-related stress.
Fergal Rooney is Head of Psychology at the 183-bed hospital and says that the current crisis is having a big impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“Sadly, we are seeing a marked increase in the number of admissions for people who are unable to tolerate the severe social restrictions currently in place. We have also seen an increase in the number of patients presenting with new or previous addictions and those struggling with anxiety-related disorders.”
Current patients need extra support
Chief executive Emma Balmaine agrees. “Current admission patterns suggest that those who have long-standing mental health issues may need increased support at this time, but we are also seeing a lot of new referrals from people experiencing mental health challenges as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.”
“Additional planning will need to be done in order to prepare for the surge in demand for mental health services from within the hospital and at Government level.
“We have already seen a significant increase in admissions relating to intense pressure that COVID-19 restrictions are placing on people. In the past month alone, half of admissions to the hospital have been specifically related to the impact of these restrictions and we are anticipating the increase will continue in the weeks and months ahead as the immediate crisis begins to stabilise and the country begins to reopen,” she says.
Tackling it virtually
Saint John of God Stillorgan continues to have outpatient clinics, in person or on the telephone, while maintaining measures to keep people safe during the COVID-19 crisis. No visitors are allowed, however.
St Pat’s has introduced a number of ways to support new and current patients during this time, they say.
“We now have virtual clinics and virtual day care packages for patients who are particularly at risk, such as those with eating disorders and for other particularly vulnerable patient groups.”
St Pat's, Dublin
At St Patrick’s Hospital in Dublin, service users will still be admitted to hospital if this is clinically required but a new homecare service has also been introduced that includes daily or frequent video calls. Remote appointments, direct referrals, a service user IT helpdesk and online information are also available and a patient portal is coming soon that will help provide online support to patients during the pandemic.
Exisiting mental health conditons: what to do if things get difficult – HSE advice
Have a plan to help you get through including:
1 Have a list of numbers of mental health services and relatives or friends you can call if you need support.2 Keep taking any medication and continue to fill your prescription with support from your GP or psychiatrist.3 Continue with any counselling or psychotherapy session you have.4 Limit your news intake and only use trusted sources of information.5 Practise relaxation techniques and breathing
exercises.6 If your condition gets worse, contact your mental health team or GP.If you have an intellectual disability
If you have an intellectual disability, you may feel more worried or sad because of coronavirus. Staying at home could be difficult for you. You could also be worried about your family or those close to you.
It is important to take care of yourself. Try to keep a routine, shower every day and eat healthy food
Follow the advice to stay at home. You can keep in touch with people you trust over the phone or the internet.
Read advice about supporting someone with special needs during the coronavirus pandemic. For more advice on minding your mental health, visit inclusionireland.ie
If you have OCD – obsessive compulsive disorder – you may develop an intense fear of:
Catching coronavirus.Causing harm to others.Things not being in order.Fear of being infected by the virus may mean you become obsessed with:
Hand hygiene.Cleanliness.Avoiding certain situations, such as using public transport.Washing your hands.The compulsion to wash your hands or clean may get stronger. If you have recovered from this type of compulsion in the past, it may return.
Follow the advice above. Wash your hands properly and often, but you do not need to do more than recommended. Read more about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, treatment and getting help.
For more helpful information, see www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/together/
Having alcohol or drug treatment?
If you are being treated for an alcohol or drug use disorder, be aware that the COVID-19 outbreak may lead to increased feelings of fear, anxiety and isolation that can increase the risk of relapse, substance use, disengagement from treatment or non-compliance with treatment regimens. Make sure that you continue to take medication as prescribed, particularly if you receive treatment with opioid medicines such as methadone or buprenorphine, and that you have a way of obtaining a regular supply of your medication.
Aisling Sheehan, national lead, HSE Alcohol and Mental Health and Wellbeing Programmes, says: “People with alcohol-related problems have particular needs and risks during the COVID-19 outbreak.
It is important that people know that there are services and supports available to them, such as the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459.
There is lots of information and advice available on the AskAboutAlcohol website, including tools to help people assess their drinking and the impact it is having on them. Finally, a list of alcohol counselling and treatment services is available on www.drugs.ie.”
If you are receiving support through a psychologist or support group, find out how to continue that support during the outbreak. If you are being treated for gaming or gambling disorder, continue with your treatment if possible.
Check with your therapist or healthcare provider about the best way of continuing with therapy during confinement at home.
Note: Many
Alcoholic
Anonymous groups are running online meetings at
present.
The Samaritans organisation has launched a new, free Self-Help app that offers people practical ways to cope and stay safe if going through a difficult time.
The Samaritans organisation has launched a new, free self-help app that offers people practical ways to cope and stay safe if going through a difficult time. A mood tracker and relaxation exercises are also included.
HSE support lists
www.hse.ie/services/mental-health-supports-and-services-during-coronavirus/
www.stjohnofgodhospital.ie
www.stpatrickshospital.ie
Advice and tips from the Department of Health on looking after your mental wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic.
It has started already – the increase in admissions to psychiatric hospitals due to COVID-19.
The Saint John of God hospital in Stillorgan – a private facility – is experiencing a stark increase in admissions due to COVID-19, with 50% of admissions in the past month alone related to the pandemic, they say. COVID-19 has also been a factor in recent admissions to St Patrick’s Hospital Mental Health Services in Dublin.
It’s not just existing patients that are affected by the crisis. They are also admitting new service users who are struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, addiction and issues related to severe social isolation.
Even individuals from the health sector overwhelmed by stress have been admitted.
Mental Health Reform, the national coalition that represents 75 mental health-related organisations, is demanding a cohesive response programme to tackle the expected surge.
“The mental health burden of COVID-19 could continue well into the future,” CEO Fiona Coyle says.
“The pandemic is already resulting in increased demand for mental health services and supports across the country. If the public health crisis is not to give way to a national mental health crisis, it is imperative that the Government prepare for a surge in demand for mental health services and this should be reflected in the prospective programme for government.”
Given that there already existed a lack of community mental health services and acute beds for psychiatric patients before this started, Ms Coyle is looking for more than this surge preparation. She also wants fundamental changes to policy.
“To support preparation and planning to protect people’s mental health in the months ahead, the Government must immediately publish the refresh of A Vision for Change, Ireland’s new national mental health policy, and appoint an implementation group for this policy, capable of developing a mental health recovery plan for the country.”
Funding must be ring fenced too, she believes.
“It is also essential that the Government commit to protecting mental health funding and invest in services so that they are quick and easy to access for people, if and when they need them.”
In the case of Saint John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, management say they have seen a number of healthcare workers being admitted to the hospital due to acute work-related stress.
Fergal Rooney is Head of Psychology at the 183-bed hospital and says that the current crisis is having a big impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“Sadly, we are seeing a marked increase in the number of admissions for people who are unable to tolerate the severe social restrictions currently in place. We have also seen an increase in the number of patients presenting with new or previous addictions and those struggling with anxiety-related disorders.”
Current patients need extra support
Chief executive Emma Balmaine agrees. “Current admission patterns suggest that those who have long-standing mental health issues may need increased support at this time, but we are also seeing a lot of new referrals from people experiencing mental health challenges as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.”
“Additional planning will need to be done in order to prepare for the surge in demand for mental health services from within the hospital and at Government level.
“We have already seen a significant increase in admissions relating to intense pressure that COVID-19 restrictions are placing on people. In the past month alone, half of admissions to the hospital have been specifically related to the impact of these restrictions and we are anticipating the increase will continue in the weeks and months ahead as the immediate crisis begins to stabilise and the country begins to reopen,” she says.
Tackling it virtually
Saint John of God Stillorgan continues to have outpatient clinics, in person or on the telephone, while maintaining measures to keep people safe during the COVID-19 crisis. No visitors are allowed, however.
St Pat’s has introduced a number of ways to support new and current patients during this time, they say.
“We now have virtual clinics and virtual day care packages for patients who are particularly at risk, such as those with eating disorders and for other particularly vulnerable patient groups.”
St Pat's, Dublin
At St Patrick’s Hospital in Dublin, service users will still be admitted to hospital if this is clinically required but a new homecare service has also been introduced that includes daily or frequent video calls. Remote appointments, direct referrals, a service user IT helpdesk and online information are also available and a patient portal is coming soon that will help provide online support to patients during the pandemic.
Exisiting mental health conditons: what to do if things get difficult – HSE advice
Have a plan to help you get through including:
1 Have a list of numbers of mental health services and relatives or friends you can call if you need support.2 Keep taking any medication and continue to fill your prescription with support from your GP or psychiatrist.3 Continue with any counselling or psychotherapy session you have.4 Limit your news intake and only use trusted sources of information.5 Practise relaxation techniques and breathing
exercises.6 If your condition gets worse, contact your mental health team or GP.If you have an intellectual disability
If you have an intellectual disability, you may feel more worried or sad because of coronavirus. Staying at home could be difficult for you. You could also be worried about your family or those close to you.
It is important to take care of yourself. Try to keep a routine, shower every day and eat healthy food
Follow the advice to stay at home. You can keep in touch with people you trust over the phone or the internet.
Read advice about supporting someone with special needs during the coronavirus pandemic. For more advice on minding your mental health, visit inclusionireland.ie
If you have OCD – obsessive compulsive disorder – you may develop an intense fear of:
Catching coronavirus.Causing harm to others.Things not being in order.Fear of being infected by the virus may mean you become obsessed with:
Hand hygiene.Cleanliness.Avoiding certain situations, such as using public transport.Washing your hands.The compulsion to wash your hands or clean may get stronger. If you have recovered from this type of compulsion in the past, it may return.
Follow the advice above. Wash your hands properly and often, but you do not need to do more than recommended. Read more about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, treatment and getting help.
For more helpful information, see www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/together/
Having alcohol or drug treatment?
If you are being treated for an alcohol or drug use disorder, be aware that the COVID-19 outbreak may lead to increased feelings of fear, anxiety and isolation that can increase the risk of relapse, substance use, disengagement from treatment or non-compliance with treatment regimens. Make sure that you continue to take medication as prescribed, particularly if you receive treatment with opioid medicines such as methadone or buprenorphine, and that you have a way of obtaining a regular supply of your medication.
Aisling Sheehan, national lead, HSE Alcohol and Mental Health and Wellbeing Programmes, says: “People with alcohol-related problems have particular needs and risks during the COVID-19 outbreak.
It is important that people know that there are services and supports available to them, such as the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459.
There is lots of information and advice available on the AskAboutAlcohol website, including tools to help people assess their drinking and the impact it is having on them. Finally, a list of alcohol counselling and treatment services is available on www.drugs.ie.”
If you are receiving support through a psychologist or support group, find out how to continue that support during the outbreak. If you are being treated for gaming or gambling disorder, continue with your treatment if possible.
Check with your therapist or healthcare provider about the best way of continuing with therapy during confinement at home.
Note: Many
Alcoholic
Anonymous groups are running online meetings at
present.
The Samaritans organisation has launched a new, free Self-Help app that offers people practical ways to cope and stay safe if going through a difficult time.
The Samaritans organisation has launched a new, free self-help app that offers people practical ways to cope and stay safe if going through a difficult time. A mood tracker and relaxation exercises are also included.
HSE support lists
www.hse.ie/services/mental-health-supports-and-services-during-coronavirus/
www.stjohnofgodhospital.ie
www.stpatrickshospital.ie
Advice and tips from the Department of Health on looking after your mental wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic.
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