The phone line will offer callers free mental health support for concerns triggered by Covid-19

If you’re finding the current corona crisis difficult to cope with, know that you’re not alone. As our routines are broken down, and we face distressing news as the virus continues to spread, the World Health Organisation is predicting an increase in levels of loneliness, depression, and alcohol and drug misuse.

But help is out there. At a time when the NHS is already under immense pressure, mental health clinic Smart TMS is stepping up to offer a free helpline providing support to anyone struggling with the impact of Covid-19.

The UK’s largest provider of transcranial magnetic stimulation, a neurological treatment that uses electromagnetic currents to stimulate specific areas of the brain, the organisation made the decision this month to volunteer their expertise for free in the form of their new helpline.

Callers are able to book a 30-minute appointment with a practitioner, during which they will be able to access support and advice on managing anxiety around Covid-19, as well as support for pre-existing mental health concerns that have been elevated by the current crisis.

The line is open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM – and, noting the impact that working on the frontline in hospitals will have on key-workers’ mental health, the first hour (9 to 10 AM) is a priority hour for NHS workers.

Speaking of the launch of the support helpline, CEO of Smart TMS Gerard Barnes says:

“We are extremely proud to offer free mental health support to people across the country whose mental health has been adversely affected by the outbreak of the Coronavirus, and are committed to helping the country to cope with the fallout of the Coronavirus in any way we can.

“There has been a great deal of speculation around the long-term mental health impact of coronavirus, and given that the country-wide lockdown and isolation policies may last for several months, it is vital that we at Smart TMS and the wider mental health community begin to act now by providing added support and resources to those most in need during this unprecedented and uncertain time.”

It goes without saying that these are incredibly difficult times. Research from Smart TMS has found that 20% of people in the UK are in the worst financial position of their lives, while 36% believe that their mental health has continued to decline, unchecked.

But through immense challenges, reaching out for help is a vital step forward – and for many, resources like these are making a huge difference.

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM

UK: +44 (0) 20 3855 4578

Ireland: +353 1 592 3560

Find out more at smarttms.co.uk