North Ceredigion is facing a “tsunami” of mental health issues following the pandemic, a GP has warned.

Dr Gail Davies is the GP lead for North Ceredigion Primary Care Cluster, which currently funds two projects which support mental health to help patients with low level mental health, isolation and loneliness which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

She said: “As restrictions ease, more and more people are presenting to general practice, particularly the very young and the elderly, with mental health issues.

“In many cases they did not seek help earlier as they did not want to “bother” an over-stretched health service.

“However their needs are very genuine and there is a tsunami of mental health issues about to overwhelm us unless we act now.

“Therefore all aspects of healthcare - primary, secondary, third sector need to develop a co-ordinated and kind response to meet these needs.”

The HAUL Arts for Health project, partners isolated and vulnerable people with a creative writer to enhance personal creativity and wellbeing.

The north Ceredigion cluster also works with Area 43 on the Here for You online counselling service, which is available for young people aged 16 to 30.

Jill Paterson, director of primary, community and long-term care, said: “Prior to the pandemic the primary care clusters had recognised that low level mental health support was a key area of need for their patients.

“During the pandemic they have continued to work with partner agencies to increase the range of services offered which in some areas has been expanded to include children and young people.

“The expansion and development of services at this time is crucial in providing appropriate levels of care for patients that can be delivered as close to home as possible.”