A leading psychotherapist believes the country's mental health "collectively crashed" last month.
Stella O'Malley believes the way in which people are dealing with lockdowns has changed.
And she says part of that comes from the poor communication from the Government.
"Up until Christmas, we were managing psychologically, we had resistance."
She said the change in people's mental health since January has been "extraordinary"
Dr O'Malley has accused the government of 'kite-flying' and for not having an appropriate communications strategy in place, leading to increased anxiety.
Michael Martin telling us a nine week extension of level 5 till May at 10pm on a Thursday night through a newspaper... pic.twitter.com/5p7el3WqIw
— Jason (@jasonk297) February 19, 2021
Relationship Counsellors Report 100% Increase In Clients
Meanwhile, a new survey has found enquires to some relationship counsellors has doubled during the pandemic.
Some therapists are recording a 100 per cent rise in inquiries from couples since lockdown.
Owner of Maynooth Counselling and Psychotherapy Helen Vaughan the pandemic is "hugely intense".
"I think people shouldn't feel bad that there's conflict at home, that their partner is annoying them or that they're feeling more irritable than normal."
With more time under level 5 expected, the government is facing pressure to have an exit plan.
