THE emotional impact on lockdown restrictions earlier in the pandemic should not be ignored says a suicide prevention worker in Glasgow.

Stewart Moore and his wife Marion experienced the impact of lockdown, losing a parent each and coping with funeral restrictions.

Thy also became grandparents for the first time but were unable to meet their new grandson due to the ban on visiting other households.

Stewart, who works with Glasgow’s Health & Social Care Partnership delivering suicide prevention training said people struggling with problems need to be encouraged to speak about it.

At the start of National Suicide Prevention Week..

He said: “People haven’t been able to access their usual support networks – such as family and friends – and, despite the relaxation of restrictions, some people may still be struggling with their mental health and emotional wellbeing. It’s crucial that people don’t bottle up those feelings – whether it is grief, loss or frustration.

“People must talk about their emotions and how lockdown has affected them. It’s equally important that everyone also thinks about reaching out to a friend, relative or colleague who might be feeling low. A simple phone call and an honest conversation about how you are feeling can make a huge difference.”

Stewart’s Father and Marion’s mother died during lockdown, but not to coronavirus, and they had to grieve without the usual support and comfort a funeral attended by family and friends provides.

The birth of their grandson Lucca also came with the frustration of not being able to visit and hold him.

Stewart added: “We were thrilled by Lucca’s safe arrival and quickly became besotted with him, so it was very difficult not being able to see him, except in photos and from a distance, or to hold him in those first months and I know lots of other people will have gone through similarly tough experiences.”

On finally being able to see Lucca, he said: “ It was a life-changing experience – truly magical. Tears of joy flowed and I will treasure the moment I held him forever. In many ways being unable to hold him for three months made the moment seem all the more wonderful and special.”

Stewart is highlighting National Suicide Prevention Week. The latest statistics, for 2018, show 99 people took their own lives in Glasgow.

There are concerns that the coronavirus pandemic and consequences of lockdown are leading to a rise in mental health problems.

Stewart said: “Lockdown has been difficult for everyone for many different reasons and, after it’s been lifted, we are starting to see the emotional impact it has had on people. No-one has experienced anything like this pandemic in living memory. It has been very surreal. Normal life has been restricted and it has gone on for much longer than people expected. We’re also starting to realise that it’s not over and Covid 19 is going to affect our lives in the future too.”

SOURCES OF HELP

  • If you are experiencing confusing or distressing thoughts, or if people around you have expressed concern about your wellbeing, arrange an appointment with your GP or call NHS 24 on 111.
  • If it would help you to talk with someone, then the following are here to help:
  • Samaritans - 116 123 (freephone)
  • Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87 (freephone)
  • If you, or someone you know, needs URGENT HELP please call the emergency services on 999.
  • Further information is also available at www.glasgow.gov.uk/chooselife
  • Short Public Health Scotland advice animations are available at

http://www.healthscotland.scot/health-topics/suicide/suicide-prevention-training-courses-and-resources