Loss of the loved ones, isolation, fears – all these consequences of the pandemic have a negative effect on people and exacerbate existing disorders. Many suffer from insomnia, experience constant anxiety, and alcohol and drug use is increasing. At the same time, COVID-19 is especially dangerous for people with chronic neurological or mental illness, as well as with addiction – they are more likely to have a severe form of COVID-19.
“Good mental health is essential for overall health and well-being,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus. “Around the world, COVID-19 disrupted critical counseling at precisely the moment when it is most needed.” Dr. Tedros urged governments to support life-saving psychological support programs – both during the pandemic and in the future.
The current survey – the first of its kind – covers 130 countries. Its goal was to find out how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected community psychological services and what measures governments are taking to strengthen this area.
More than 60% of countries reported that they had to discontinue counseling and psychotherapy programs targeting particularly vulnerable populations: children and adolescents, the elderly, and women who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
More than a third of states are unable to provide adequate assistance even in emergency situations, such as in the case of prolonged seizures, severe withdrawal symptoms or delirium (delirium). 65 percent of countries are unable to continue critical harm reduction programs for drug addicts.
One third of countries reported difficulties in obtaining medicines for patients with mental and neurological disorders and people with addiction. In the vast majority of countries (over 75 per cent), psychological services in schools and workplaces have interrupted to some extent.
Almost two-thirds of the countries participating in the study use telemedicine and telepsychotherapy, but if among the rich countries 89 percent were able to do this, in low-income countries only 50 percent could introduce these innovations.
WHO has issued guidance on how to maintain health services, including psychological care, during a pandemic. Experts suggest including it in general recovery plans and, accordingly, allocating the necessary funds. To date, 89 percent of countries have included mental health in national plans, but only 17 percent have secured the necessary funding for these programs.
Even before the pandemic, mental health programs averaged about 2 percent of the health budget, which WHO claims is very small. At the same time, the Organization reminds that an increase in investments in this area will pay off with interest.
Even before COVID-19, it is estimated that depression and anxiety alone causes the global economy to lose a trillion dollars annually. That being said, research shows that every dollar spent on treating these conditions generates five dollars in income. The WHO warns that as the pandemic continues, so will the number of mental disorders, so urgent financial support for mental health is needed more than ever.
The results of the new study are published ahead of World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated on October 10. On this day, WHO is organizing a large-scale online event with the participation of world leaders, activists, celebrities, the purpose of which is to draw attention to the problem and mobilize funds to provide support for people with psychological or mental problems.
