How COVID Has Affected Mental Health And Healthcare Sector: WHO

The pandemic is having a long term impact on the mental health of people globally, including those who have not been infected with the virus. It has disrupted or halted critical mental health services, while the demand for mental health has been steadily increasing.

The whole world has been at war, trying to defeat the novel coronavirus for months now. COVID-19, a disease that has not only affected the world’s population physically but has also taken a toll on the mental health of people, including those who have not been infected with the virus. Times have been very challenging for everyone around the globe and fear of contracting the disease as well as facing uncertainty in the future has adversely affected people mentally. According to a report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), “The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide while the demand for mental health is increasing”

WHO’s Report On Mental Health Services

A survey was conducted by the WHO in 130 countries between June and August, according to which a third (35%) of the countries reported having reported disruption in mental health services. According to the report, during this period, patients suffering from mental and neurological disorders had difficulty in getting medicines. With this, at least 60% of the countries surveyed faced obstruction in providing mental health services to weak or vulnerable people.

Tele consulting and Mental Health

COVID-19 has also majorly affected counseling and psychotherapy services in our country. Agreeing to WHO’s report, our expert Psychiatrist, Dr. Veena Krishnan says that the pandemic has greatly affected people’s mental health. However, due to time, situation, and other circumstances, it has been difficult for us to attend to each and every patient out there. Although many doctors have tried to help their patients through telephonic or online consultation sessions, mental illnesses are difficult to cater to without observing and attending the patient in person. In such a situation, online counselling sessions do not show very successful results, which is something to be concerned about.

Effect On Employment Of Doctors

Dr. Krishnan explains that while many people out there are suffering from certain mental conditions, illnesses, and disorders, the situation has been quite challenging for the doctors as well. Especially for physicians practicing privately, these times have been quite a struggle as their employment has been affected due to the lack of patient visits. At the same time, there were many cases where doctors running small clinics took their own lives due to the fear of an uncertain future. Apart from the mental health doctors, doctors and health workers associated with different disciplines of medicine have also been terribly affected.

Increased Mental Pressure On Doctors

Due to COVID-19, the doctors have suffered more mental pressure than the general public. Dr. Krishnan explains that by being directly exposed to the infected people, doctors, and health workers are more in danger of contracting the novel coronavirus. Therefore, due to the prevalence of this disease and the loss of fellow doctors, the whole medical fraternity has been facing a lot of mental pressure. Also, the inability to meet family members for long hours, excessive work pressure, wearing special suits and masks, etc. are some of the many reasons which have affected the mental health of doctors. Not only this, as a result of depression arising out of these conditions, many doctors and health workers have also given up their lives.

Therefore, the situations have been very difficult for 7.8 billion people around the world and COVID-19 has affected everyone mentally in one way or the other, which is why we all need to stand together and be there for our friends and family. The situations will be normal soon, but taking care of our mental health is extremely important.