A Dublin mental health hospital has said that there has been a significant increase in admissions since the coronavirus pandemic began.
The St John of God Hospital in Stillorgan has said that in the past month alone, 50% of admissions to the hospital have been related to COVID-19 anxiety and restrictions.
There has been a dramatic increase in admissions for mood and anxiety disorders, addictions and issues relating to severe social isolation.
A number of healthcare workers have also been admitted to the facility due to acute work-related stress.
Chief Executive of the Hospital, Emma Balmaine said:“We have already seen a significant increase in admissions relating to intense pressure that COVID-19 restrictions are placing on people.
"In the past month alone, half of admissions to the hospital have been specifically related to the impact of these restrictions and we are anticipating the increase will continue in the weeks and months ahead as the immediate crisis begins to stabilise and the country begins to reopen.”
Head of Psychology at Saint John of God Hospital, Fergal Rooney said: “It is evident from our admissions to the hospital that the current crisis is having a big impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
"Sadly, we are seeing a marked increase in the number of admissions for people who are unable to tolerate the severe social restrictions currently in place.
"We have also seen an increase in the number of patients presenting with new or previous addictions and those struggling with anxiety related disorders.”
