Covid-19 Has Led To Disruptions In Mental Health Services—Just As Demand For It Increases, WHO Says

Topline

Coronavirus has spawned a new healthcare crisis as many services for treating mental health have been disrupted all over the world, all while the pandemic has worsened many people’s emotional health, according to a report from the World Health Organization.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and well-being,” said the World Health Organization’s director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement. “COVID-19 has interrupted essential mental health services around the world just when they’re needed most. World leaders must move fast and decisively to invest more in life-saving mental health programmes ̶ during the pandemic and beyond.”

Key Background

The WHO argues these findings underscore the need for more countries to dedicate more funding for mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. While nearly 90% of nations said support for emotional health was part of their pandemic strategy plans, only 17% reported having funding earmarked to totally cover their pursuits. Mental health programs were already chronically underfunded before the pandemic, according to the WHO, which is encouraging nations to up their spending to help citizens during the coronavirus crisis. The WHO study surveyed 130 countries over June and August.

Surprising Fact

The WHO estimates that pre-coronavirus pandemic, the United States lost $1 trillion in economic productivity each year because of workers’ depression and anxiety.

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