Covid-19 jab will be a mental health lifesaver, say clinically vulnerable people across Hampshire

This week sees the government begin to roll out Covid-19 vaccines to people with a range of underlying health conditions, ranging from learning disabilities to organ failure.

With the vaccine offering a much-needed glimmer of normality, people with chronic health conditions across Portsmouth have revealed the devastating toll of shielding for the last 12 months.

For Southsea resident Holli Hart, who has a learning disability, intense isolation for the last year has resulted in four nervous breakdowns that have left her in Queen Alexandra Hospital.

The 34-year-year-old, who lives alone, said: ‘All of last year, I was in and out of hospital because I was trying to kill myself – I couldn’t cope.

‘I don’t like change, and we suddenly got dropped in it.

‘Suddenly, you’re not seeing people – I wasn’t seeing my family, seeing my work colleagues.

‘My mental health has really gone downhill.’

Even those not shielding alone have endured massive declines in their mental health – alongside the loved ones supporting them.

Havant mum-of-two Emma Hine has been shielding with her son Lewis, a disability champion who suffers from severe epilepsy and has undergone several surgeries for a brain tumour.

She said: ‘My mental health has been massively affected. We’ve had so many sleepless nights – Lewis has been suffering three times as many seizures because of the stress of the pandemic.

‘There hasn’t been enough support.

‘I know many carers that have been on the edge – some suicidal.

‘I know a few young people who did take their life in lockdown.’

In December, an inquest heard how Crookhorn resident Daniel Furniss, 34, who took his own life after he began self-isolating due to his diabetes – a situation that was the ‘final straw’ is his long-running battle with depression.

Fareham resident and campaigner Dan White said the pandemic has ‘devastated’ the mental health of his 14-year-old daughter, Emily, who has spina bifida.

He said: ‘We’re looking forward to the chance to see friends and family again. The only social connection she has got is through her Xbox Live.

‘She needs to be with her friends. And we all need more hugs. We are on our last legs.’

Dan and Emma both hope the pandemic leads more people – who may have experienced serious health worries or mental health breakdowns for the first time – to have a greater understanding of the anguish faced by those with chronic health complaints.

Emma said: ‘What Lewis and other young people experience every single day of their lives – worrying about getting ill, feeling isolated – the rest of the world has had a small taste of that.

Dan added: ‘It’s a case of ‘welcome to our world.’’

For Gosport resident Chris Manns – also known as wrestler Fearless Flatliner – the pandemic needs to leave people with a greater awareness of hidden conditions and disabilities.

The 43-year-old, who is classified clinically vulnerable after his colon was removed in 2009, said: ‘I say, “I may look like a Rolls Royce, but I have a Skoda engine”. I don’t have a leg missing or something people can see, but I have to look after myself.

‘I have had to shield for the last year – I have barely been out at all, apart from shopping when I’ve been desperate.

‘It’s frustrating how many people have not been sticking to social distancing. People still want to shake my hand when they see me.’

Chris has received a letter regarding his vaccination – but clinically vulnerable people under the age of 16 have been left in limbo, with the government yet to announce vaccination plans for the age group.

Increasingly concerned about his daughter, Dan said: ‘No one has a clue what is going on.

‘We have tried to going to the GP but they are swamped.

‘It feels like we have been swept to one side throughout the pandemic.’

With mental health charities across the area and the country warning of increasing breakdowns, it is more important than ever for people to realise they are not alone, according to Anna Feirs, a well-being supporter at Portsmouth group Positive Minds.

She said: ‘The best advice is – reach out. There is so much support across Portsmouth – us, The Hive, Solent Mind, and many more.’

Holli attests to this advice, thanking her support network – her best friend Katie, her manager at MAKE in Fratton, Sarah Mitas, and Gig Buddies coordinator Mike Harris – for Zoom calls and catch-ups to support her through an agonising 12 months.

She said: ‘They have all been amazing.’

And thanks to the vaccination programme, a return to normal – with the prospect of a greater understanding of people’s health and disability struggles – is within sight.

After a year of being stuck indoors, the first Covid-19 jab was ‘like a sigh of relief’, according to Lewis.

He said: ‘I just can’t wait to getting a sense of normality back.’

Positive Minds can be reached on 023 9282 4795.

Solent Mind is on 023 8017 9049.

Gig Buddies, a support service for people with learning disabilities, is continuing to run virtual meet-ups and workshops throughout the lockdown.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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