Soteria has as a first concern the health, safety and well-being of people experiencing mental distress. Many of these have been affected by psychiatric treatments which over time have created additional health hazards – overweight, heart problems, diabetes for example; for complex reasons some people smoke heavily too. All this renders increased vulnerability to danger if infected by Covid 19.  It’s therefore morally imperative that we play our part in helping to protect them; this means social distancing, the wearing of masks, the following of preventative guidelines.

We also recognise the association between early trauma and psychosis, the trauma sometimes involving the literal stifling of cries for help. If this has happened the putting on of a mask can be re-traumatising and intolerable. It’s therefore all the more incumbent on the rest of us to wear masks for their protection.

We wish everyone a safe and healthy journey through the coming months.