Eastbourne therapists are offering free sessions to NHS staff and key workers

Michaela Sheppard and Fari Rassekh are hoping to set up a network of therapists for people in need during these challenging times.

Michaela said, “As a community we need to use our individual skills to support ourselves, loved ones and community.

“We both feel passionate about our own town and the people in our town.”

Based in Hyde Gardens, Michaela is an integrative therapist. She believes key workers need support now more than ever.

She said, “People are going to see things at work, it’s going to be quite shocking and full on.

“Some will be separated from their children and families. They’re going to be exhausted, but also they are going to feel isolated and lonely.

“I think stress levels are going to really high. They may have no one to talk to. I think it’s really going to build up.”

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She said, “NHS staff are going to be totally overloaded, maybe they feel they have nowhere to talk. They are the ones going out, facing it all.

“Shop staff too. A lot of them may be single parents. Childcare has stopped. How are key workers on their own with kids coping?”

Michaela said also believes the current ‘lockdown’ situation, with people self-isolating in their homes, is going to have a knock-on effect on people’s mental health.

She said, “My concern is for everybody. I think there is going to be an increase in domestic violence. A lot of children in tough situations I feel for.

“I do think people’s mental health is going to be exacerbated.

“Everybody’s go go go – when it stops that’s when people start going to feelings and can’t ignore how they feel and can’t cope.”

Issues which may cause a strain for people include money troubles and food concerns, Michaela said.

She said, “The fear of finances is enormous. People are worrying about food. Council tax bills will be coming in April. People are really worried about that.

“On top of that the strain on relationships will be massive. It’s also going to feed into people’s addictions.”

The therapist also believes young people and children could have a difficult time.

She said, “Teenagers are really struggling. Their hopes of prom, all their studies. A lot will have wanted to get their exams over and done with.

“They are away from their boyfriends and girlfriends. I think it’s going to be a massive thing.”

Her advice to anyone struggling is to seek help, from free helplines to just talking to someone you know.

She said, “I know people have got to isolate but if you can find some way of talking to someone by the phone. Use that space for an hour’s exercise a day.

“Teens and kids should talk to their friends and parents if possible. Start connecting again.”

Along with Fari, she is offering up to six free 50 minute sessions to NHS staff and key workers.

She said, “It’s not just a job to me. It was the least I could do.”

Anyone who wishes to find out more can visit www.counsellingwork.co.uk or contact Michaela by email [email protected] or telephone 07715 832631.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, here are a number of resources which could help.

• Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393, email [email protected] or text 86463

• Sussex Mental Health helpline 0300 5000 101

• If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, you can call The Samaritans’s 24-hour helpline on 08457 909090

• Health in Mind is a free NHS service for East Sussex residents who are experiencing stress, anxiety or low mood – call 03000 030 130