For much of the past 12 months we have been dealing with a pandemic that has taken an enormous toll on our health, wealth and general sense of wellbeing.
Another harsh lockdown brings new challenges but at least, with the roll-out of a mass Covid-19 vaccination programme, the end is in sight.
Now though, another pandemic is beginning to kick in a psychological one that comes as a direct result of the acute sense of jeopardy we have been living with for so long.
Every therapist I know tells me their skills have never been in greater demand than now. They are being inundated with pleas for help from people suffering from stress, insomnia, low self-esteem, strained relationships and a general sense of unhappiness.