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How has the pandemic affected access to mental health care for patients in different countries?

Janice Ogley

The pandemic has dramatically impacted access to mental health care for patients in different countries. While many nations implemented remote therapy and teletherapy services, a barrier of access remains. For countries without the needed infrastructure and financial resources, essential therapy and mental health care remained outside the reach of most people.

The mental health crisis has spiked dramatically since the emerging pandemic started. People are facing new forms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and much more. Even where treatment remains available, there's a shortage of healthcare professionals, and it has become a considerable challenge to get help.

In countries like the USA and Canada, where healthcare is easily accessible, private or public insurance policies differ in mental health coverage. Instead of people seeking help, they face large copays or no coverage at all due to the limitations of their insurance policies. Even for us with government-funded plans, accessibility to well-trained mental health professionals remains a barrier, given the shortage plus psychiatric care coming with a cost.

In many developing countries, the challenges are different. Despite the awareness of mental health, a shortage of facilities, and untrained medical staff, mental health care remained out of reach of many. Without proper funding and intervention from the government, remote teletherapy services are an impossibility.

To make matters worse, the stigma surrounding mental health issues is still prominent. Individuals who show visible symptoms or seek help face discrimination and fear from their communities. The lockdown was another factor that brought on stress to many people, increasing suicide rates and violence towards women and children. Another critical factor is the lack of social support available due to physical distancing.

However, some creative ways to access mental health care are being adopted. For instance, the use of social media has increased with many seeking out online support groups to overcome their struggles. In some countries, primary healthcare nurses receive training on mental health issues. They can diagnose and provide basic counseling to patients with mild symptoms. Although it's essential to diagnose the root of the issue by experienced professionals, healthcare workers who are knowledgeable and can recognize these symptoms become of great help.

In conclusion, while the pandemic has disrupted access to mental health care in many ways, long-term policy plans, and innovative interventions will be paramount in helping people overcome their mental health challenges. The government-funded mental wellness campaigns and creating awareness on privilege, access, and mental health care stigmatization is a great start. Reinvesting in education and mobile therapeutic services, telehealth, and partnerships between mental health professionals and primary healthcare providers will help bridge the gap of inequality with mental health care during this challenging and unprecedented time.