The Effects of Covid 19 on People Experiencing Mental Ill-health, Substance Use Disorder and Homelessness/Housing Insecurity in the Dublin Region: A Longitudinal Qualitative Exploration

Background: This small longitudinal qualitative study tracked the experiences of 10 adults in Dublin, Ireland experiencing SUD and/or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), and/or mental ill-health and/or homelessness at early (Autumn 2020) and later stages (Summer 2021) of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Ireland entered a severe lockdown in March of 2020 which lasted until July 2020, and re-entered a second lockdown in Christmas period of 2020/2021. Restrictions are only now lifting.

Methods: Two groups participated, one presenting predominantly with SUD/AUD (n=5) and linked in with an addiction/homelessness service (MQI). The second group presented with severe mental ill-health (n=5) and were linked in with a mental health/homeless service (HSE ACCES). Analysis of qualitative interviews provides the basis of the report.

Results: Phase 1 of the study found increased mental ill-health as well as lapses in substance/alcohol use where they had previously been in recovery for both groups. Participants expressed feeligns of abandonment, loneliness and increased social isolation. Phase 2 found that the group presenting predominantly with SUD/AUD had made gains in recovery through Assertive Outreach Teams, resulting in changes in housing patterns and reconnection with family. While they had made gains in their mental ill-health as a result, this was viewed as tenuous as their housing remained insecure. For the group presenting predominantly with severe mental ill-health (who were also availing of Outreach services) while SUD/AUD use had lessened, they experienced increased levels of social isolation leading to high levels of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation with planning (with one unsuccessful attempt) and four of the five had been hospitalised for their mental ill-health between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the study.

Conclusion: The focus on the physical health concerns of the pandemic has resulted in neglect of the psychological impact that restrictions have had, especially on marginalised populations.

Disclosure of Interest: Phase 2 of this study was funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention (Ireland) under its Connecting for Life initiative.