As the world adjusts to a post-pandemic reality, a national mental health charity, Turn2Me, is raising awareness of a quieter, longer-lasting legacy of Covid 19: The psychological effects of lockdown. Turn2Me has stated lockdowns triggered widespread mental health challenges that continue to affect millions globally.
From emotional isolation to chronic anxiety, the cumulative impact of prolonged restrictions is becoming clearer as more data emerges. Turn2Me is urging politicians to recognise these effects and commit to ongoing mental health support in the next budget.
According to Turn2Me, the five key ways lockdowns impacted mental health are:
1. Heightened anxiety and uncertainty. Constant exposure to pandemic-related news, fear of infection, and disruption to daily routines contributed to a surge in anxiety-related disorders.
2. Loneliness and social isolation. Separation from friends, family, and community led to widespread emotional loneliness, particularly among the elderly and those living alone.
3. Increased depression and low mood. Loss of structure, reduced physical activity, and economic uncertainty and stress fuelled depressive symptoms, with notable spikes reported in young adults and caregivers.
4. Burnout and exhaustion. Remote work, home schooling, and caregiving responsibilities, often all at once, left many feeling emotionally drained and mentally depleted.
5. Delayed access to mental health services. Overburdened healthcare systems and social distancing protocols led to reduced access to in-person therapy and mental health care when it was most needed.
Turn2Me stated these effects are not fleeting and that the full impact may unfold over years. Support systems, workplace policies, and public health strategies must adapt accordingly.
Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said: “We are encouraging people, particularly those who are isolated, to engage in more social opportunities. Humans are a social species; we are tribal in nature. We need social interactions for our wellbeing. If anyone is struggling after the lockdowns, Turn2Me offers up to six free counselling sessions on Turn2Me.ie. We are calling on the Government to invest in mental health in the upcoming budget. Addressing the mental health aftermath of the lockdowns is essential to building long- term societal resilience.”
Meanwhile, youth mental health charity Jigsaw has launched its 2024 Annual Report, revealing that psychological distress among young people remains significantly elevated compared to pre-2020 levels. Despite this sustained demand, Jigsaw delivered over 62,000 clinical contacts across Ireland, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to supporting young people’s mental health.
Dr Joseph Duffy, CEO of Jigsaw, said: “We are seeing sustained high levels of need among young people. While the numbers have slightly stabilised, they remain well above what we were seeing five or six years ago. That tells us something important: The challenges young people face are not going away — and neither is our commitment to being there for them.”
Jigsaw’s 2024 Annual Report calls for increased Government investment in early intervention youth mental health services in Budget 2026, and urges the public to continue supporting its work through donations and advocacy.
“Despite all the challenges we faced in 2024,” Dr Duffy added, “our report… clearly shows that Jigsaw is making a difference. Through the daily efforts of our teams across the country, through levels of innovation unparalleled across our health system and through the support of public and State funders, our model is effective. While the need continues to grow, solutions are within reach, but only if we are resourced to deliver them. We are calling on Government, donors, and communities to stand with us in building a better future for young people.”
