11. Short Debate: Improving mental health, post pandemic

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:09 pm on 17 March 2021.

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Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP 5:09, 17 March 2021

Diolch, Llywydd. The coronavirus pandemic may have begun as a physical health emergency, but it has become a mental health crisis. The fallout from dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages and from all walks of life in every corner of Wales. And we are not unique: studies have shown the impact the pandemic has had on mental health across many nations. However, we have been one of the worst affected nations. Earlier this week, the Mental Health Million Project launched their report into the impact the pandemic is having on mental health and well-being around the globe. Their report is based on studies of people from eight English-speaking countries: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the substantial English-speaking populations of South Africa, India and Singapore. And they found that mental well-being fell dramatically during the past 12 months, and that the UK saw the most dramatic decline.