The ManicaPost
Memory Matsikure
Although it is a physical health tragedy, the uniqueness of Covid-19 has disturbed human beings’ routines and has had an impact on people’s mental well-being.
Considering the regulations put in place to prevent and contain this life threatening pandemic, people are susceptible to high levels of stress and anxiety.
National lockdowns as well as the quarantine and isolation centres have been established across the world as measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus. This is breeding fear, financial worry, apprehension and stress.
There are increased levels of loneliness and depression. Drug use and self-harm or suicidal behaviour are also expected to rise.
Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, orphans, people living with disabilities, people living with HIV and AIDS, street kids, the poor and those already receiving mental health services are most likely to be affected by gross psychological distress due to the nature of the virus’ method of transmission and the unavailability of a vaccine or cure.
The corporate world had challenges in adjusting to working from home. Then there are concerns about long term career prospects, as well as the fear of exposing family and friends to the virus.
Such emotions, thoughts and anxiety impact negatively on community mental well-being, thereby leading to inability to deal with the challenging situation.
Generally, mental health disorders in most communities were already rife before Covid-19. The Covid-19 pandemic has however, worsened the situation. In particular, the ongoing lockdown has seen an increase in the number of people defaulting on taking their medication due to transport challenges.
Cases of substance abuse psychosis are also on the rise, while some cases of suicide have been recorded. Due to the lockdown, some people are idle hence mental health conditions are on the increase due to anxiety and stress.
Mental health plays a vital role in influencing the way one interacts, connects, learns, works and experiences suffering and happiness.
Good mental health therefore enables individuals to engage in healthy behaviour that keeps them and others safe.
Even though the issue is critical, the various mental health needs are not adequately addressed.
This is mainly due to under investment in mental health needs in comparison to other medical health issues such as HIV and AIDS, cancer and other chronic illnesses.
There is need for adequate investment in mental health needs through providing world class psychiatric institutions, medication and psychosocial support services.
This may alleviate social ills such as gender based violence through rape, physical assault, damage to property and homicide.
Lessening effects of Covid-19
In order to lessen the effects of Covid-19 on people’s mental well-being, it is vital to strengthen the human resources base through training community health workers so that they may provide health and psychosocial support.
Supporting learning and fostering friendly environments for children and young people who are confined at home through e-learning platforms such as Zoom and Google classrooms will lessen anxiety and depression.
Making mental health part of the universal health package by including care for mental, neurological and substance use disorders will make everyone aware of mental health significance. These can be included in health care benefit packages and insurance schemes.
It is also essential to campaign against factors which are a threat to mental health, for example gender based violence.
It is also vital to ensure effective care and promotion of medication adherence in people living with severe mental health conditions.
Users of all communication channels, including social media platforms, need to be aware of their potential harm on people’s mental health. Instead of causing harm, they need to show compassion for people’s distress and encourage emotional well-being.
We may also support community actions that strengthen social cohesion and reduce loneliness, for example supporting activities that help isolated elderly people to stay connected.
Communities may also participate in mental health interventions that can be delivered distantly, for example tele-counselling for depressed people at home.
There is also a great need to ensure uninterrupted care for severe mental health conditions throughout the pandemic as these are essential services.
The rights of people with severe mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities also need to be protected and promoted by monitoring to see if they have equal access to care for Covid-19.
Providing mental health services to strengthen psychosocial support and investing in mental health needs will promote good mental health and people’s well-being during this Covid 19 era.
Memory Matsikure is a Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education intern community psychologist. She writes in her personal capacity.
