Scotland has a mental health crisis that could get worse due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the new Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has warned.

Writing on the Church website to coincide with Mental Health Week in May, the Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair called for more funding for mental health services, but also for everyone to ‘consider some small steps’ to looking after each other more.

Dr Fair wrote: “My fear is that [the mental health crisis] is only going to get worse in these days as a result of this present crisis. Those who already felt isolated and vulnerable will be feeling that even more. Those who already struggled with anxiety are hardly likely to be feeling more relaxed or assured. Jobs are being lost, support services are shut down and networks of family and friends, though accessible online, are more distant. As the psalm writer said: ‘You have taken from me friend and neighbour.’ (Psalm 88:18a)

“Scotland suff ers more acutely – and especially so among young men and in deprived communities. Living in Scotland’s poorest communities, you are three times as likely to end your own life than if you live in an area of affluence.

“Silence is not golden and the good news is that gradually it is being broken. More than ever before prominent individuals are open to acknowledging that they struggle with their mental health. This helps no end in terms of combatting the stigma. But much remains to be done.

“Of course, health and community-based care services are crucial in any response. But they are stretched to capacity – and beyond it – and in the coming days will no doubt find themselves having to do more with less.

“But when communities are functioning properly then a vital layer of support is readily available to all of us. No, not necessarily specialist, professional intervention (although we must ask politicians to continue to look for ways to secure more funding for that) but neighbours whose doors sit ajar, friends who pick up the phone night or day – people looking out for one another as we go through life together.”