The pandemic severely disrupted mental health services while the public health, social and economic effects caused by the pandemic increased mental health issues globally, including more widespread suicidal thoughts and behaviors, a study conducted by the World Health Organization reported.
The WHO's Global Burden of Disease 2020 study found that since the beginning of the pandemic, across the world there has been a 27.6 percent increase in major depressive disorder cases and a 25.6 percent increase in anxiety disorders.
The World Health Organization's recommendations to minimize the mental health consequences of the pandemic are:
- Integrating mental health and psychosocial support within all aspects of preparedness and response for all public health emergencies.
- Apply a "whole of society" approach to promote, protect and care for mental health, including through social and financial protection to safeguard people from domestic violence or impoverishment, and by communicating widely about COVID-19 to counter misinformation and promote mental health.
- Ensure widespread availability of mental health and psychosocial support, including by scaling up access to self-help and supporting community initiatives.
- Support recovery from COVID-19 by building mental health services for the future.