Robin Newton: We need to avoid a loneliness health crisis caused by lockdown

Surveys over the Covid-19 lockdown confirm, for many, feelings of loneliness have become a problem.

In accepting the advice to stay at home many older persons, and younger people deemed at risk, have been separated from the supportive physical contact of family and friends.

A quarter of adults surveyed reported increased feelings of being lonely as day-to-day relationships have been put on hold.

For those shielding, with only limited visual contact, research indicates times of isolation can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress and depression.

As we ever so slowly emerge from the pandemic lockdown this mental health issue will

require specific attention. It’s for the good of our entire society that those who endured isolation and suffer feelings of loneliness don’t continue to suffer in what we will call normal days.

Acknowledging the surveys, recognising the problems is relatively easy.

Bringing to the table the financial resources and professional support is the hard bit; but it will need to be done if we don’t want to experience a lockdown loneliness health crisis.

Robin Newton MBE MLA, DUP East Belfast