Estimated Reading Time: 3 min
Mental Health requires attention because of the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The theme for World Mental Health Day in 2021 is Mental Health in an Unequal World. The theme for World International Health Day in 2021 focuses on the vital need to focus on health beyond physical needs in a world where we are still struggling to fight the coronavirus. The pandemic has highlighted inequalities in human development, doubled mental illness and increased mental disorders and disruption in already limited mental health services.
When we think about health, we generally include physical health, mental health and social well-being. However, health is not merely the absence of disease. It focuses on feelings of well-being. As a result, people realise their challenges and their ability to cope with life’s stressors. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it also involves understanding productivity and contribution to the community.
Before Covid-19, mental disorders affected many people across the globe, and the majority of sufferers failed to seek treatment because mental health is stigmatised. It is essential to acknowledge that a mental health condition can also negatively impact education and employment opportunities. Unfortunately, there is a perception in business to avoid dealing with employees with personal mental health challenges because the condition can negatively influence the productivity of the individual. As a result, workplace relationships and ultimately companies are in a challenging position to find solutions—without the financial resources they need to cope. Many people with mental disorders lose their jobs or are permanently unemployed because many companies lack the tools and support systems to help employees. This inability to support those with mental health challenges leads to massive economic impacts on the individual and their families.
A troubling statistic relating to mental disorders or poor mental health is suicide. Mental disorders also lead to relationship breakdown, inability to cope and sadly, it can lead to suicide.
Globally, the responses to mental health illness are inadequate. Covid-19 has negatively burdened our health systems further. While the pandemic’s impact is even more significant on mental health—the resources are prioritised toward treatment of Covid-19 and vaccinations. In the meantime, people with mental health illnesses experience adverse impacts of their disease in unimaginable ways.
Globally, mental health professionals are experiencing more challenging situations as mental health illnesses increase. Hospitals and health care workers face challenges because of astoundingly high Covid-19 infections. Mental health professionals experience massive fallout due to Covid-19 and the impact of the pandemic on people’s lives. People have lost jobs and their businesses; they feel isolated, terrified, and anxious. Even medication to treat mild and severe conditions is increasingly in short supply. Most patients cannot afford therapy, medication or treatments to overcome mental illness during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 has placed the burden of mental health illnesses right in the middle of the conversation. Because of the disease, people have lost loved ones, lost the ability to earn a living, and financial support is a massive challenge across the globe. This situation has further aggravated pre-existing conditions or led to spikes in alcohol and substance abuse and domestic abuse. A Covid-19 infection may also lead to neurological and mental disorders. In addition, the percentage of pandemic-related mental health disorders has increased worldwide.
The question remains, how can we overcome mental health issues in an unequal world? This challenge has become global, it requires financial support from governments, and we all need to develop a keen awareness and notice when someone is having a rotten day. Be kinder, always supportive, and be there!
