‘There’s constant demand for support’ - Edinburgh mental health service supporting 2000 people reaching crisis point

Staff at the centre said that there is a real risk that people living with existing mental health conditions could reach a crisis point during lockdown.

The centre currently supports thousands of people in the city with many struggling to cope with the additional pressures caused by the pandemic.

Edinburgh Crisis Centre Manager, Barrie Hunter said: “There’s constant demand for support from the Crisis Centre.

“It’s not unusual that many of the calls that come in are from people who are extremely distressed and need support immediately.

“The pandemic has been daunting for everyone, but there’s a real risk that people already living with mental ill health could find themselves in real distress.

“The added pressures of dealing with the isolation, financial worries, and other impacts of lockdown are potentially creating a perfect storm for people reaching crisis.”

The centre currently supports 2000 people in Edinburgh and is open for calls 24/7. Mr Hunter has encouraged anyone struggling to contact his team.

Adding that open dialogue about how lockdown is impacting people's mental health is paramount to ensuring good wellbeing during the pandemic.

Mr Hunter said: “At any given time, 1 in 20 of us is experiencing thoughts of suicide. The one thing we can all do is talk openly about suicide and encourage conversations around mental wellbeing.

“It’s important for people to know that even during lockdown they can still contact us for support 24/7.”

To contact Edinburgh Crisis Centre at no charge call: 0808 801 0414

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