OCTOBER 7 — You have probably heard a lot about how Covid-19 has exacerbated mental health issues locally and globally. The spread of the virus, loss of lives, economic insecurities, unemployment, isolation, increase in domestic violence and suddenly being forced to adapt to the new normal have exposed society to overwhelming mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, acute stress and the increase in substance use.
As the world continues to grapple with Covid-19, it is crucial to address the pandemic’s further impact on mental health. Ignoring the mental health fallout from Covid-19 can have a profound impact on society’s mental wellbeing and unfold a catastrophic secondary health crisis that may last long after the pandemic subsides.
Mental health is a human right and nobody should be denied quality and equitable access to mental healthcare. Dr Brock Chisholm, the first director-general of the WHO, famously stated that “without mental health there can be no true physical health”. Good mental health, alongside physical health, contribute to productive employees which lead to economic growth and a prosperous nation.
During World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 last month, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba mentioned that a total of 465 attempted suicide cases treated at the Ministry of Health have been recorded from January to June this year. Government helplines also received 11,791 calls between March 25, 2020 and August 2020 with callers experiencing an average of three issues and 50 per cent of the problems require emotional support and counselling for stress, anxiety and despair.
Like any other illnesses, mental disorders are vital facets of primary care that warrant bigger investment in research, and effective and innovative treatments to address them. The future of Covid-19 remains unpredictable but our failure to take people’s mental wellbeing seriously will lead to immense and unnecessary economic costs to society including a tremendous burden on the healthcare system.
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