Written evidence from Martin Jelfs (CIL0561)

As a psychotherapist with 35 years’ experience, I can definitely say that the effects of human isolation and fear are devastating to the mental, emotional and physical health of a large proportion of the population.

Humans have evolved to live in close groups with touch, connection and recognition. Isolation was death in early societies. The mental health of many people has been severely affected by lack of physical contact. There is also a great deal of research evidence that this also affects physical health through the immune system and in other ways.

The emphasis on material factors, like viruses, vaccines, masks has led to an undervaluing of the intangible factors in health. The American study of Adverse Childhood Experiences (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverse_Childhood_Experiences_Study ) shows that trauma has massive effects often many years later.

Intangible fears, as well as real losses of freedom, work, businesses will damage many more people than appear to be directly damaged by the virus.

09/01/2021