The figures come as global mental health experts warned that governments must take immediate action to increase mental health support, warning of a possible surge in the number of suicides. Evidence shows that when people do not get this support early enough, they are more likely to reach crisis point and need emergency help.
"My mental health has got worse because there is no help anywhere. I went to A&E suicidal and was told that there was nothing they could do. I contacted the crisis team and they said the same."
"I'm starting to suffer being alone, I've had less contact with my support team and no contact with my GP."
"I have schizoaffective disorder and have a fantastic support team. My Community Psychiatric Nurse, Support Worker and GP have all pulled out of my care. I can only access them on the phone for very short periods of time."
The NHS has urged the public to still come forward for help, amid concerns that seriously ill people are avoiding seeking support because of coronavirus. Mind found that almost half of those who didn't seek help for their mental health were worried their problems weren't important enough given the wider crisis, with others saying it was unclear whether it was safe or responsible to attend a face to face appointment.
Many are relying on organisations like Mind to get the help they urgently need – with 20% of those who have sought support turning to charities and community groups. Mind's services have seen unprecedented demand, with more than a million people accessing its online information on coronavirus and mental health, and a surge in the number of people seeking support through its online community since the crisis began.
"As a nation, a vast number of us have seen our mental health deteriorate during the coronavirus crisis. It is therefore deeply concerning that people are struggling to get the help that they urgently need. Evidence shows that when people do not get support early enough, they end up in crisis.
"People with mental health problems have been hit hard by the current situation. We are particularly worried that some people are being discharged too early from hospital, while others have been left languishing on mental health wards, because of the current limited the availability of community support. Being sent home at the wrong time can delay recovery and, at worst, puts people at high risk of suicide.
"A drop in the number of referrals to NHS mental health services, including those for children, is worrying when we know the need is high. It has never been more important that people are encouraged to access mental healthcare that is timely, appropriate and available at the point of need. If not, we are storing up more complex problems for the future.
"We will closely follow the measures the NHS is taking, ensuring that resource is spread appropriately, and strive to support people through our own services as best we can. The coronavirus pandemic is not just a physical health emergency. People with mental health problems must not be forgotten."
We need your help to support people with mental health problems right now. To donate to Mind's emergency appeal, visit www.mind.org.uk/donate
Notes to Editors:
Survey results
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