Mental health referrals in Oxfordshire plummeted during lockdown

New NHS figures show the number of people with depression or anxiety referred for therapy in the county has almost halved compared with last year.

In April 2019, 1,180 people were passed on for psychological therapies (IAPT) for the conditions in the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group area.

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But data released this month shows this April, the first full month of the UK's coronavirus lockdown, the number fell to just 610 – a drop of 48 per cent.

There was also a fall in the number of patients who began therapy during the month – 660 compared to 895, a fall of 26 per cent.

Across England, referrals were down even further, falling by 57 per cent, from 133,191 to 57,814.

Speaking at a meeting of Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group last month, Dr David Chapman, Oxford City locality clinical director, said mental health services had been continuing during coronavirus, with a move towards remote appointments.

He said one of the positives to come out of the Covid crisis had been a 24 hour mental health line in Oxfordshire which he said had been 'very successful' and was something they were trying 'very hard' to keep in place beyond the pandemic.

Responding to latest referral figures, Dr Chapman said: "IAPT services, Talking Space Plus in Oxfordshire, like many other services had to adapt to Covid but have remained open to referrals and have restructured to allow remote consultation and group therapy on line. Access to this is prompt and patients can self-refer as usual. GPs can also refer patients.

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He added: "Please be reassured that if you need medical care for any health concern your GP is there for you.

"We do ask that you always telephone your surgery first, as you won’t be seen without an initial phone or online appointment.

"If it is decided that you do need to come in for an appointment, we ask that you wear a face covering. There will also be social distancing measures in place in the practice so it is safe for you to visit.

"Staff will also be wearing masks and gloves, and there will be hand sanitiser available."

Oxfordshire psychiatrist Dr Andrew Molodynski, who is also the British Medical Association's mental health policy lead, warned in May people staying away from seeking medical help for their mental health was creating a large backlog for already-stretched services.

He said the UK was facing a surge in demand for mental health services including everyone from traumatised frontline NHS staff to children isolated during school closures.

At the same time as referrals dropped, however, figures from Oxford Samaritans this week show it has been answering approximately 2,000 calls every month since lockdown, now totalling more than 6,000.

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A survey of 3,000 Samaritans volunteers also suggested one-in-three callers talk about coronavirus, with many people feeling more anxious and distressed than before the pandemic.

Oxford branch director Matt Williams, said: “Our volunteers have been working day and night to be there for anyone who is struggling in these uncertain and challenging times.

"Lockdown restrictions have had a huge impact on everyday life for many people, as we’ve been hearing over the past few months, and our volunteers have been a much-needed source of support for those whose networks haven’t been available during the pandemic.

“Our outreach work and fundraising activity remains on hold across the country until further notice, but we hope that the public can continue to support us in any way they can, to ensure that our volunteers can continue to be there for anyone struggling to cope.”

Other local charities such as Oxfordshire Mind have reported a surge in demand during the outbreak, with its calls in March alone up 390 per cent.

Oxford Samaritans has launched ‘Talk To Us’ to raise awareness of its round-the-clock emotional support services and to encourage people to get in touch if they need support.

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even using a mobile without credit. Alternatively email  jo@samaritans.org.

For more information on how to get involved visit samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/talk-us/ or search #TalkToUs.

To contact the Oxfordshire 24/7 helpline for adults the number is 01865 904997 or the new freephone number 0800 783 0119.

For children and young people the number is 01865 904998 or freephone 0800 783 0121.

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

He added: “Local services continue to adapt to maximise the mental health support available, including online and telephone support, and anybody who thinks they would benefit from psychological treatment can refer themselves directly.

"The NHS is here for you, please help us help you.”