MENTAL HEALTH IN COVID-19 TIME

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide, while the demand for mental health is increasing, according to a new World Health Organization survey conducted in 135 countries.

WHO has previously highlighted the chronic underfunding of mental health: prior to the pandemic, countries were spending less than 2% of their national health budgets on mental health, and struggling to meet their populations’ needs.

And the pandemic is increasing demand for mental health services. Added to the fear of contracting the virus, are the significant changes to our daily lives as our movements are restricted in support of efforts to contain and slow down the spread of the virus.

Bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones. Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drugs, insomnia, and anxiety. Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation, and stroke. People with pre-existing mental, neurological or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection ̶ they may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes and even death.

Although 89% of countries reported in the survey that mental health and psychosocial support is part of their national COVID-19 response plans, only 17% of these countries have full additional funding for covering these activities.

This all highlights the need for more money for mental health. As the pandemic continues, even greater demand will be placed on national and international mental health programmes that have suffered from years of chronic underfunding.

“Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and well-being. COVID-19 has interrupted essential mental health services around the world just when they’re needed most. World leaders must move fast and decisively to invest more in life-saving mental health programmes during the pandemic and beyond.” - Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Director-General of the World Health Organization)

Source: World Health Organization