Lockdown Restrictions Fuelling Addictions: Mental Health Expert Reveals Concerns

As Britain returns to tough lockdown measures, to curb the spread of coronavirus, a leading addiction expert warns a ‘tsunami’ of mental health problems are being left to manifest.

With the pressures of home life, furlough and financial issues, the latest ONS figures show that 69% of adults in the UK are worried about the impact Covid-19 is having on their life now.

Mike Delaney, Clinical Director at Delamere Health, has shared his concerns over how current restrictions are fueling addictions.

“I believe that months in lockdown has created a tsunami of mental health issues which need to be addressed or things will deteriorate even further. In my private practice, I am seeing increased numbers of anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide attempts.”

“For an increasing number of people, alcohol or drugs are used to reduce stress or as a distraction from uncomfortable feelings. During the pandemic, we spend more time at home than ever before, which served to magnify stressors and from wider global events impacting our daily lives.”

Many are also struggling with the lack of routine and structure, as furlough left workers with more spare time leading them to fill the void with alcohol. While millions are resenting the lack of freedom and independence, there are others who fear the return to the real world.

There is concern that hundreds of people’s addictions are going unnoticed, as the lack of socialisation makes it easier to hide. Mike has shared his tips for spotting an addiction in yourself or a loved one:

If substances start to cause you a problem in day to day functioning then it is likely to be a problem, such as you feel a little bit rough daily
Anxiety starts to creep up on you and you don’t want to go to work or don’t feel like you can do it
Avoiding your problems or situations which cause stress
Loss of control in your daily life
Your family are raising the issue and you get irritable or defensive
Avoiding the people that are telling you the truth
Turning against the people that are ‘spoiling the fun’