The coronavirus disease has so far taken a toll on the health resources available in many countries globally. This has been attributed to the high infection rates that continue to affect many parts of the world. However, despite all these, many aspects of the societal living have also been affected, particularly due to isolation and lockdowns that literally brought life to a standstill (United Nations, 2020). Consequently, many people’s mental health has been affected negatively as they fear getting infected or losing close family members and the isolation from families.
They also face an economic crisis after losing or being at the risk of losing their jobs and livelihoods. Mental health- a state of mental security in which people can function productively to their full capabilities-has been known to be a social pillar with an intrinsic value relating to what makes us human. It facilitates the optimal performance of key roles with families, communities, and social-economic activities (United Nations, 2020). Before covid 19, the statistics relating to mental health were already alarming, revealing that the global economy loses more than a trillion dollars every year due to anxiety and depression. Furthermore, there are widespread human rights violations of people who have mental conditions globally.
Subsequently, policymakers should work to address this issue as the covid 19 global pandemic has exacerbated it. By making policies that help address the causes of depression and anxiety on a community level, it will be possible to deal with consequent effects that as hospitalizations and mental illnesses associated with community factors (Katerndahl, 2007). On the state level, evidence from a study conducted in 2012 showed that implementing a mental health benefit was linked to decreased financial costs and effective use of mental health services (Sipe, Finnie, & Knopf, 2015). On the national level, statistics from a 2002 survey show a correlation between mental health and incarceration, whereby mental health led to homelessness and substance abuse (Introduction to global mental health: Effects of mental health on individuals and populations). Thus, implementing a policy that addresses mental health on a national level will effectively reduce homelessness, substance abuse, and homelessness.
References
Introduction to global mental health: Effects of mental health on individuals and populations. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.uniteforsight.org/mental-health/module1
Katerndahl, D. A. (2007). Community Effects on Mental Health Outcomes in Subjects With and Without Panic Attacks: Results From a Population-Based Study in San Antonio, Texas. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2139923/
Sipe, T. A., Finnie, R. K., & Knopf, J. A. (2015, June). Effects of Mental Health Benefits Legislation A Community Guide Systematic Review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4700502/
United Nations. (2020). UN Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) Policy Briefs and Papers. doi:10.18356/13fff923-en