Image Source: The Sunday Guardian

Agencies:

Coronavirus disrupted mental health services in 93 % countries: WHO survey

New Delhi
October 5, 2020

The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted critical mental health services in 93 % of the countries worldwide, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) survey. The survey of 130 countries provides the first global data showing the devastating impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the access to mental health services and underscores the urgent need for increased funding.

The survey was published ahead of WHO's 'Big Event for Mental Health', scheduled on October 10. The event aims to bring together world leaders, celebrities and advocates to call for increased mental health investments in the wake of the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

The 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 the needs of their population.

Bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones. Many people may be facing insomnia and anxiety.

Meanwhile, Coronavirus 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 and may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes and even death.