Mental Health in Times of Covid-19 under the spotlight

Mental Health in Times of Covid-19 under the spotlight

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina published a proceedings report on The Hidden Crisis:Mental Health in Times of Covid-19 during February 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic is most notably a physical health crisis, but it strongly affects mental health as well. Social isolation, job and financial losses, uncertainty about the real impact of the crisis, and fear for physical well-being affect the mental health of many people worldwide. These stressors can increase emotional distress and lead to depression and anxiety disorders.

At the same time, there are enormous challenges on the health care side. People in need of mental health support have been increasingly confronted with limitations and interruptions of mental health services in many countries. In May 2020, the United Nations already warned that the COVID-19 pandemic has the seeds of a major mental health crisis if action is not taken.