On Tuesday 7th April, a group of 40 cross-party MPs urged Health Secretary Matt Hancock to boost support for mental health whilst preventing the spread of Coronavirus crisis amid concerns that weeks of self-isolation and quarantine can have a “grave impact” on people’s wellbeing.
These MPs which include Labour MP for Manchester Afzal Khan and Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson have now urged Hancock to begin a new campaign securing the mental well-being of individuals as it is closely linked to their physical fitness as well.
Wilson, who co-ordinated the letter, said, “Social distancing means millions are now home alone, facing the prospect of only the most minimal contact with another soul for months.
“This isolation is likely to have a grave impact on their mental health. Millions more, without being completely isolated, will still be struggling with the rapid changes the coronavirus has wrought upon our way of life.
Campaigners also echoed their concerns about the potential for long-term damage from the coronavirus crisis to people’s mental health including high blood-pressure, anxiety disorder, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for doctors.
