Josie Gibson was almost left in tears on ITV’s This Morning as she spoke about the tragedy of the national lockdowns.
Doctors have been quite open about the toll the pandemic has had on the NHS and particularly the mental health sector, with a large backlog resulting in many people left without needed support.
Josie joined Phillip Schofield to talk with GP Doctor Nighat Arif about mental health as they discussed the challenging circumstances and the struggle to provide help.
Talking about something a little closer to home, Josie fought back tears as she said: “I personally know four men who took their life to suicide – I personally know them. The support was just not there.”
(Image: ITV)
Dr Arif stated that there has been incredible difficulties with getting people help, particularly since the pandemic.
Dr Arif said: “The difficulty is when demand is so much. Hand on heart, even I don’t have the solution for it.”
She encouraged people to keep talking about when they’re facing struggles and feeling low, she said: “There are so many things that we can do.
“So the first thing I say is talk, talk, talk. Don’t be embarrassed. You can cry, you can be sad, make sure you are going for a walk, getting exercise, seeing green spaces, hugging a tree.”
(Image: ITV)
Dr Arif reaffirmed that sometimes hugging a tree can release stress, with Josie confessing that she has also taken that advice herself adding that connecting to the earth can make you feel good.
Later on the show, Dr Arif returned with Deidre Sanders to give further advice as people opened up about their own struggles and their concerns about family members.
Josie said on the show: “This is a tricky one in that throughout this pandemic everybody, and I mean everybody has had their mental health suffer from all of this. So I want to thank everybody for all your phone calls today.”
(Image: ITV)
Dr Arif encouraged people who are trying to get referred to get support to keep going back and keep asking for help.
Both Dr Arif and Deidre continued to share their advice on the show and spoke to individuals who called in for support.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
This Morning continues weekdays on ITV at 10am.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
