THERE are many casualties of the recession, but not all of them are visible.
The pressure of tough economic times is already having an effect on many people’s mental health.
In Huddersfield, a support group says it has already seen a rise in the number of referrals of people seeking their help with issues caused by growing uncertainties in their lives.
David Hegarty, co-manager of System To Recovery, said the support group was getting about 100 referrals monthly and that figure continued to rise.
That has to be of concern but as the economy continues to struggle and further jobs come under threat, it is inevitable that more people will suffer from anxiety and stress.
What is yet more troubling is Mr Hegarty’s view that though things have progressed in public understanding and acceptance of mental health issues, many continue to feel stigmatised by admitting that they have problems.
It falls to us all to support those who have worries and encourage them to talk about their fears and, where appropriate, seek advice.
