Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, is highlighting five enduring psychological effects of pandemic lockdowns that continue to impact millions, calling for increased government investment in mental health services as Ireland moves forward from COVID-19.
While lockdowns proved essential in controlling viral transmission, the charity warns that their mental health consequences extend far beyond the immediate pandemic period, with effects that may unfold over years rather than months.
Turn2Me has identified five key areas where lockdown restrictions continue to affect psychological wellbeing. Heightened anxiety and uncertainty emerged as people faced constant pandemic news coverage, infection fears, and disrupted daily routines, leading to a surge in anxiety-related disorders.
Social isolation created widespread emotional loneliness, particularly affecting elderly residents and those living alone who were separated from friends, family, and community connections. The charity notes that depression and low mood increased significantly due to lost structure, reduced physical activity, and economic stress, with young adults and caregivers experiencing notable spikes in depressive symptoms.
Burnout and exhaustion became commonplace as people juggled remote work, home schooling, and caregiving responsibilities simultaneously, leaving many feeling emotionally drained. Additionally, delayed access to mental health services occurred when overburdened healthcare systems and social distancing protocols reduced availability of in-person therapy precisely when it was most needed.
Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said:
“Lockdowns saved lives, but they also had a detrimental impact on our mental health. We are encouraging people, particularly those who are isolated, to engage in more social opportunities. Humans are a social species; we are tribal in nature. We need social interactions for our wellbeing.”
The charity emphasises that these effects are not temporary setbacks. Research supports their concerns, with a 2024 Nature study finding that regions with strict lockdowns experienced an 18% increase in mental health care usage, compared to a 1% decline in areas without restrictions. The World Health Organisation reported that global rates of anxiety and depression increased by roughly 25% during the pandemic’s first year. Additional research, including a comprehensive review published in Cureus, further documents the pandemic’s mental health impact, alongside studies examining childhood maltreatment effects during COVID-19 and long-term mental health trends in UK young adults.
Turn2Me offers up to six free counselling sessions through their website Turn2Me.ie for anyone struggling with lockdown’s aftermath. The charity is urging the government to prioritise mental health funding in the upcoming budget.
O’Malley added: “We are calling on the government to invest in mental health in the upcoming budget. Addressing the mental health aftermath of the lockdowns is essential to building long-term societal resilience.”