Centre tells states, UTs to amplify awareness on mental health amid rising COVID cases

Taking a major step on Tuesday in view of increasing psychosocial concerns among people during COVID-l9, Centre has told states and Union Territories to strengn mechanisms to spre awareness. Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan has directed states to conduct awareness campaigns as a part of government's response to COVID-19. 

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Sudan in a letter dressed to Chief Secretaries of state, suggested setting up of helplines citing Ministry's alrey existing helpline (080-4611 0007), in collaboration with National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) to provide psychosocial support by mental health professionals. She n requested states to amplify awareness about mental health through existing communication materials.

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Sudan said that since outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, concerns relating to mental health, manifested in feelings of fear, anxiety, negative thoughts about consequences of disease and subsequent depression are being raised. She ted that declining social support in nuclear families and restricted social networking due to COVID-19 are among important reasons.

"Keeping above in view, I request you to put in place and strengn mechanisms for amplifying awareness about mental health through existing communication materials... initiate screening and dress mental health issues for those in need, improve help-seeking behaviour on mental health-related issues by sensitising people and health care workers," she said.

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Mental Health and COVID-19

Last month, amid worsening condition of COVID in national capital, Delhi High Court h directed AAP-led ministration to consider opening some counselling centres to deal with mental problems including depression on an emergent basis. Delhi HC has passed se directions while hearing a PIL by v Sunil Kumar seeking counselling centres for dealing depression, mental health problems.

Earlier, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also urged governments, civil society and health authorities to urgently dress mental health needs arising from coronavirus pandemic, warning about increase in psychological suffering. He said that grief at loss of loved ones, shock at loss of jobs, isolation and restrictions on movement, difficult family dynamics, and uncertainty and fear for future is having an impact on mental health.

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