WE need to help each other through a second lockdown, a counselling charity has urged.

As parts of North Wales enters a local lockdown, concerns have been raised over the mental health struggles people will inevitably face.

From 6pm on October 1, restrictions will be in place in four of the six counties in North Wales.

Paula Ringeval, founder of the Counselling Hub charity based in Mold, said since the start of the pandemic they have been seeing an increase in a range of mental health struggles, and urge people to reach out to others during the second lockdown.

She said: “One of our volunteers said she went home to her kids in tears saying they can’t do this again, they can’t face it.

“We’ve seen a lot of relationship fears in terms of break ups and poor mental health, people living together and even domestic violence.

“Most of all, what people are saying is that there is an overbearing local of motivation, people feel demotivated to do anything and there’s a fear for the future, fear for loved ones, a fear of death and not being able to say goodbye.

“From a counselling point of view, we have seen an increase in suicidal thoughts, an increase in OCD and agoraphobia and social isolation.

“Students have been phoning us a lot more and when people have lost a loved one, even from something other than Covid-19, it’s impacted them drastically because they have still been unable to say a goodbye or visit in care homes.

“From our point of view, there’s a general reduction in general mental health and well-being.”

Paula is urging people to reach out if they need help and support in any way.

She added: “Phone our helplines, don’t leave things if you start to feel unwell or are struggling. Or reach out to family and friends.

“Keep the lines of communication open. It helps to have a plan and structure in place and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

“Those are really important things to mental health. Any activity you can do will help your self-confidence and achievements.

“We’ve also seen a lot of younger children who are struggling with the loss of grandparents, they haven’t had the ending they needed because of Covid-19.

“As an organisation, we are reiterating the message to reach out and remind people that Governments are looking for a vaccine, this is not going to be forever.

“Things will get better, people are feeling afraid and angry but we have to help each other through it. If you notice someone has gone quiet, make that phone call.

“It’s about supporting people around you.”

Flintshire resident Lynne Chick said people are afraid of the unknown which is affecting people’s mental health.

She told the Leader that she herself has struggled with her mental health during the pandemic.

She added: “It’s important to be honest about how you feel and not hide your feelings if you are struggling.

“It’s ok to speak out about it, most people are in the same position, keep in touch with your friends and family as much as possible through video calls.

“Just be honest, that’s the most important thing and find someone you are comfortable talking to.

“We need to help each other, that is the only way we are going to get through this. More people should have that mindset. We need to pull together and help small businesses and help those struggling.”

Visit TheCounsellingHubFlintshire on facebook.