Saint John of God Hospital has launched a new online therapy programme for people struggling with their mental health as a direct consequence of COVID-19 and the impact of associated restrictions. The hospital recently revealed that it has seen a dramatic increase in admissions and referrals from new and existing patients who are struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, addictions and issues relating to severe social isolation and relationship tensions with up to 50% of admissions and referrals since May 2020 related to COVID-19 anxiety and restrictions. Acute work-related stress has also seen a number of healthcare workers being admitted to the hospital.
Living Well in the New Normal is a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy based programme which has been designed and written by Dr Keith Gaynor, Senior Clinical Psychologist, author and academic. Speaking about the programme, Dr Gaynor said, “Normally, anxiety management courses have the message that we are too anxious and that the risks we face are small. In the middle of this international health emergency, it is clear that this isn’t true. The risks are real and very serious. If we haven’t been impacted medically, then we probably have been affected economically or socially. We must create new ways of understanding ourselves in this New Normal”.
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