The covid-19 pandemic has certainly posed a serious threat to mental health of the people.Its evident that this pandemic has significant impact on mental health issues. We can’t deny the fact that our major focus seems to revolve around other health issues in countries like Nepal.
Its also true that previous major public health emergencies revealed that significant portion of the population developed mental health problems and required mental health and psychosocial support and intervention.It’s hard to contradict the fact that without focusing on mental health of the people, we can’t ensure healthy living and achieve sustainable goals.It’s the need of the hour to address mental health issues in current scenario.
Free basic health services for each and every citizen has also been included in current constitution of Nepal. Public health act 2075 has included mental health services in basic health services list.Similarly ,public health regulation 2077 has also provision for gradual integration of mental health in basic and emergency health services provided from local, provincial and federal level.In this context, we should organize existing mental health services to address the current unmet needs for mental health and to prepare for future challenges in the post pandemic era in terms of prevention and management.
Any form of stressful event or situation, disasters, pandemics like covid-19 certainly increases burden of mental health issues.In this scenario, this covid-19 pandemic with its varied impact on different aspects of people’s life has certainly increased mental health problems.
Its normal for people to show fear and anxiety in such situations.Common mental health problems during post pandemic era are anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, suicidal ideations or attempts, psychoactive substance use, post traumatic stress disorders, adjustment disorders.
Relapses and recurrences of previous mental disorders due to reduced access to therapeutic resources and disruption of mental health services are another important factors related to mental health issues.Evidences and data also suggest that there is increase in the number of suicides in post pandemic era.Vulnerable population groups such as children, adolescents, elderly, pregnant women, migrants, people with disabilities are more prone to develop mental health problems requiring special considerations and intervention.
Another important factor of mental health issue in such post pandemic era is that considerable increase in mental health problems may remain undiagnosed or untreated due to lack or scarcity of mental health services. There are many factors which act as hindrances to proper mental health services such as inadequate human resources and infrastructures.Even the existing mental health professionals and trained health care workers may find it difficult to deliver services due to stress, work overload or other practical issues.In such scenario, lack of preparedness, surge in mental health problems and interrupted mental health services certainly limit access to mental health care.
Its true that impact of pandemic is difficult to measure and explore because of its unpredictability.Its difficult in our scenario because of the paucity of preparedness for pandemic.Keeping the limitaions aside, still we have to address mental health issues of people and we have to deliver services.Integration of mental health services in different settings is important.Mental health of the children and adolescents in schools and colleges need to be the focus of attention in such scenario.
Screening of at risk groups is important for prevention.Government has also taken initiatives in this context by trying to reach in the community via trainings in mental health for primary health care workers so that they could identify individuals with mental health problems , treat initially and facilitate onward referral services in required cases.Telepsychiatry is another option in settings like ours where there is scarcity of mental health professionals.
Stigma and discrimination related to mental health and illness are important factors requiring our serious attention if we have to deliver services.Reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness is a global health priority. The stigma of living with mental health problem might be worse than the experience of the disorder itself.
The aversive behavioral reactions displayed by general population towards people with mental health problems may further worsen the illness itself despite ongoing treatment .In many scenarios, we have witnessed that institutional policies and practice and cultural norms and values have been found to be biased against people with mental illness resulting in lack of opportunities and resources.
We can address this issue best by raising awareness through public education.Advocacy by influential public figures, groups, celebrities and media personnels is the best way to tackle stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. Social integration of the people with mental health problems in the local community is another way to combat such stigma. While talking about mental health and illness, suicide is the pivotal aspect.Its a global public health problem and in the current scenario it requires our serious attention.
Timely assessment of mental health problems and effective management is vital to reduce suicide.Appropriate dissemination of information and raising awareness about mental health certainly minimizes the risk of suicide.Media personnels have also significant role in this aspect.Media reporting should provide accurate information about mental health and where to seek help if needed.
Media can report of stories of how to cope with life stresses. They should take caution while reporting suicide and avoid glamorization and sensationalization.There are certain guidelines for responsible media reporting of suicide which if followed properly certainly minimizes the risk.
To conclude, we should focus on both physical and mental health.Promoting healthy lifestyles from the very beginning, learning better coping styles to handle stressful situations, avoiding use of alcohol, smoking and other psychoactive substances, performing yoga and meditations, regular social interactions, healthy exercises are important for our mental health.
