Mental Health a Silent Pandemic

World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization

The overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

A mental health crisis is looming as the COVID-19 pandemic pushes people into isolation, poverty and anxiety, experts say. And as demand for help increases, the crisis has affected critical mental health services in 93% of countries, data from the World Health Organization shows.

“The isolation, the fear, the uncertainty, the economic turmoil – they all cause or could cause psychological distress,” said Devora Kestel, director of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) mental health department.

The mental health and wellbeing of societies globally have been severely impacted by the pandemic. The months of lockdown and loss have had a huge impact on our mental health,

• Loss of loved from the virus
• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• Healthcare Workers, working in the forefront, distressed by the immediate health impacts and the consequences of physical isolation, while many others are afraid of infection, dying, and losing family member.
• Working remotely and longer working hours.
• Parents working from home, juggling their time working and taking care of children’s demands.
• The rise of domestic violence
• Human Trafficking victims exploited under harsher conditions
• Economic Turmoil due to loss of employment
• Uncertainty not only of the virus but also economic crisis, especially those in vulnerable communities who are the hardest affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Children and young people isolated from friends and school and must adapt to the new normal.

Helping Children Cope

It is important to watch for behaviour changes in your child. Not all children and teens respond to stress or in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:

• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children.
• Excessive worry or sadness.
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits.
• Irritability and “acting out” behaviours in teens.
• Poor school performance or avoiding school.
• Difficulties with attention and concentration.
• Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past.
• Unexplained headaches or body pain.
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Our mental health is just like our physical health. Everybody has it and we need to take care of it.

The first steps to take is getting support for yourself or reaching out to someone else. Love and support those around you. A smile can be very deceiving, so we encourage you to connect with loved one, work colleagues, friends, and family members. A simple act of kindness will change one’s mental wellbeing.

Break the stigma and share your story so others can see that they are not alone in the challenges they are facing. Remember that you are LOVED and you MATTER and are IMPORTANT.

Email your story to media@hopetoheal.org.za

www.hopetoheal.org.za