Forthcoming mental crisis is likely to be overwhelming

I am reminded of it by being told sadly of a suicide and attempted suicide. Clearly the extended lockdowns and economic shock caused will not only be financial severe, but will cause psychological collateral damage to millions.

Businesses lost never to return will have a profound effect.

In a society where we are often judged on what we are and what we have, there will be a harsh reality to losing jobs, business and sense of place .

I have in my distant past suffered redundancy and no amount of financial compensation, however generous, can prepare you for the rejection you feel.

The Chancellor’s package to help businesses and their surplus employees is of some substantial benefit to both.

However, depending how long the lockdown is, it is only a sticking plaster delaying the permanent demise of some household names.

Furloughed employees are also worrying about whether it is only a preliminary step to full redundancy.

Both owners of businesses at risk and employees at risk will be facing this mental anguish for the first time, when the responses of support may be diverted to saving life from the ravages of coronavirus.

Political masters face a dilemma, when to reduce progressively the lockdown. I have self isolated for many weeks and know, even with great support, how demanding it is.

On a bad day, fortunately very few, could this be the last year of your life? As part of an at-risk group, you are fed a constant diet of ‘keep safe keep self isolating’.

Then, on a more optimistic note, you realise the NHS is there for everyone and the staff will fight for you like they are doing so superbly, putting their lives at risk, for me and millions of others.

In thinking of others you support and dig in yourself .

Mental first aiders will be needed in large numbers, as the NHS has shown it can scale up to cope with current crisis, so we will weather the impending mental Illness crisis.

Community support and that of family, friends and colleagues will see us through if we express our feelings and vulnerabilities.