In these uncertain times, despite recent figures suggesting the economy is growing at its fastest rate since the economic collapse, stress is high and people are still worried for their livelihoods. This is a bigger worry than ever for the people living in Somerset, who are almost being held prisoner by the massive floods.
With acres and acres of farmland covered in water (it is reported that over 90% of one farm is covered in feet of water) and arguments breaking out over dredging and conservation and whether artificially pumping the water out is a good idea, it is no wonder that the residents who live in this area are becoming stressed.
This stress was an issue first raised by Baroness Cathy Bakewell, who reportedly voiced her fears that “There is a real risk to mental health” in the House of Lords on Monday.
The 2013-14 Water Bill includes the promotion of affordable flood insurance to those at risk in the area. Insurance companies are not likely to give cheap premiums to those living in the area that has proved so prone to protracted flooding over the last two years.
Bakewell, however, worries that there will be exclusions for this affordable insurance, especially amongst small businesses, and understandably, the worry, fear and stress of not only rebuilding, but of this happening again in the future, could be leading to mental health issues of people under pressure to provide and earn in an already difficult economy.
For the people who work and live in the Somerset Levels and Moors, the most afflicted area, this winter has been horrifically stressful. Hopefully the government and environment agency will work to make the recovery process as easy as possible and help to preserve both peoples’ livelihoods and their mental health.
