I am Edmond Mercedez, a graduate of the University of Amsterdam (2001–2005) with a BA in Psychology and an MA in Clinical Psychology from King's College London (2006–2008). In more than a decade of practice, I have seen many changes in the public mental health landscape — but never before has there been such a dramatic jump in demand for support as the COVID-19 pandemic. This has had a profound impact on the personal, professional and social lives of millions of people, leading to a wave of anxiety and depression that needs to be taken seriously.World Health OrganizationThe Lancet One striking figure from the World Health Organization (WHO) is that in the first year of the pandemic, rates of depression and anxiety disorders rose by around 25% globally—a huge jump with lasting consequences. At a national level, statistics from the UK have also shown a sharp increase in pressure on mental health services, with suicide deaths and other risk factors trending upward in recent years. These figures are more than just dry facts—they represent lives, families, and communities that have been lost.World Health OrganizationOffice for National Statistics The impact of the increase in mental disorders The consequences of anxiety and depression go beyond temporary “feeling sad” or “worried.” In my clinical practice, I have seen young patients with reduced work capacity, prolonged sick leave, loss of income, broken relationships, and in some cases requiring inpatient treatment due to the risk of self-harm. On a societal scale, productivity is reduced, healthcare costs increase, and the pressure on the community care system becomes severe — leading to delays in accessing treatment for those who really need it. In the UK, long waiting times for mental health services have become a cause for alarm, with many patients facing long waiting times before receiving specialist intervention.rethink.org Why do you need a professional facility with qualifications and trained staff? Many people look for “quick fixes”—advice from social media, self-help apps, or informal therapy. These resources are valuable for initial support, but when a disorder has progressed to the point where it affects functioning, intervention by a trained professional is necessary for several reasons: Accurate assessment and differential diagnosis: Depression and anxiety can present differently depending on age, gender, and underlying medical conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders, post-COVID). Only a trained professional has the skills to use standardized assessment tools, differentiate disorders, and determine appropriate treatment.NatureEvidence-based therapies: Interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Evidence-Based Therapy (EBT), or Mindfulness-Based Therapy have been clinically tested and proven effective in numerous studies. Applying the wrong approach, or combining techniques haphazardly, can delay truly effective therapy.PubMedRisk management and care coordination: When a patient is experiencing self-harm or risk of harm to others, professionals must know how to assess the urgency, contact support services, or consider emergency medical intervention — while respecting privacy and professional ethics. This is a skill that cannot be learned from the internet.NatureSome illustrative statistics (summary) WHO: ~25% increase in global depression and anxiety cases in first year of pandemic.World Health OrganizationScientific reviews and analyses (Lancet, NCBI) note a marked increase in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances across many age groups, especially adolescents and females.The LancetPubMedAt the health service level, waiting lists for public health and mental health services in England have increased, leading to longer waiting times for treatment — which increases the risk of patients becoming seriously ill.NHS Englandrethink.orgPractical knowledge and benefits of early access Early detection helps reduce the duration of illness, increase treatment effectiveness and reduce the risk of recurrence.Short-term interventions (CBT, breathing techniques, PMR, mindfulness) have demonstrated significant symptom reduction after several weeks of guided practice.Combined support (therapy + healthy lifestyle + medication if needed) often provides better results than either approach alone.Access to a trained professional to help develop a personalized plan, monitor progress, and adjust therapy as needed.Conclusion and call to action The rise in anxiety and depression following the pandemic is a worrying reality — but it is not incurable. Investment in professional services, workforce training, and reducing barriers to treatment are needed at both the policy and community levels. If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent symptoms (insomnia, low energy, persistent worry, thoughts of self-harm), seek prompt assessment by a certified and qualified mental health/mental health provider. Early intervention can be life-changing. If you wish, I can provide a list of references, copies of the basic screening questionnaires (GAD-7, PHQ-9) and instructions on how to find a certified therapist in the UK and Europe — to make accessing treatment easier.
