COVID-19 Mental Health Response: Are we doing enough?

Words Yetunde Bankole

The stressors of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and the isolation experienced due to a succession of lockdowns around the world, has had a devastating impact on mental health globally.

In the UK alone NHS data showed a 29% increase in people being referred to mental health services, with a suspected first case of psychosis.

Researchers of a recent global study have estimated an extra 76m cases of anxiety, and 53m extra cases of a major depressive disorder due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How are different countries responding?

Spain introduced the ‘crying room’ , a project in Madrid aimed at reducing the stigma attached to mental health and crying. It is a safe space for those struggling to be able to express themselves and there is also access to psychologists via telephones.

The Spanish prime minister also announced that there will be a 100 million euro budget for mental health services, which will include mental health training and a 24hr suicide helpline.

The UK government has proposed a budget of £500 million aimed at improving and expanding the NHS mental health services.

The Australian government has also announced a federal budget allocation of A$2.3 billion for the establishment of new mental health centres, expansion of youth services and provision of therapy and treatment.

Most African countries allocate less than 1% of their healthcare budget to the provision of mental health services, with some reporting having no funding at all for their COVID-19 mental health response plans. Whilst a recent study of available mental health services in South Asia found the resources ‘lacking’ to tackle the issues arising from COVID-19.

There is a varying response across the nations globally, but with an estimated cost of $2.5 trillion a year to the world economy as a result of poor mental health, I believe this is a public health concern that we cannot afford to ignore.