Irish Examiner view: Mental health issues during the pandemic

Research showed an 18% decrease in the number people presenting at hospitals with self-harm issues during 12 lockdown weeks from March 2020

Simple human responses, a listening ear, a supportive hug may be enough to avert a crisis in a friend's life.

Our record in providing appropriate, supportive, and timely mental health care is not enviable. The evidence, all too often expressed through funerals, is irrefutable. 

The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues and has, in many cases, deepened the emotional stress and sense of isolation so often associated with mental health issues.