Stay Connected – mental health support during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Coronavirus pandemic is having a huge impact on the mental health of millions of people worldwide. Last week, the World Health Organisation called for an urgent increase in investment in mental health services (open link in new tab) to prevent a massive increase in mental health conditions in the coming months.

CBM has been working for over 15 years to improve access to treatment and support for people with mental health conditions in the world’s poorest places, while tackling stigma and discrimination. People living in poverty are at greatest risk of mental health problems and least likely to access treatment.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, so we’re looking at how our projects around the world are adapting to the new challenges caused by Covid-19, and new initiatives for this unprecedented time.

In India, CBM has been adapting existing programmes to provide online mental health support to children with disabilities who cannot attend school because of lockdown restrictions. There have been several video conferences for parents to help them better understand how to support their children now they are at home. This ensures that parents of children with disabilities are equipped to continue their child’s education while they are away from school.

In Malawi, our programme with CBM partner MEHUCA (Mental Health users and Carers’ Association) has been setting up support groups for people with mental health conditions and their families, providing vital peer-support and helping to tackle stigma. Most groups have had to stop meeting due to lockdown restrictions, but rather than leave people unsupported, they are now operating a “Buddy System”, with one-to-one support in person or by phone rather than group meetings. Vital information on how to cope during the crisis is also being shared with those at risk, for example via leaflets and posters in English and Chichewa in hospitals and health centres.

In Nepal, to combat the increased prevalence of mental health conditions due to Covid-19, CBM’s partners have started providing Psychosocial First Aid through online counselling and a toll free number both of which can be accessed by the entire population. To date over 100 people have accessed this vital service.

In Kenya, stigma surrounding mental health is deeply embedded into Kenyan society. Across all sections of society there is prejudice and discrimination adversely affecting quality of life and participation in social, economic, political and cultural activities. CBM has been working to combat this stigma by training students at Kenyatta and Chuka Universities who have experienced mental health conditions themselves to raise awareness of mental health and challenge stigma in their communities. Where it is safe to do so we are continuing to equip student champions to be ambassadors for better mental health awareness.

Find out how you can support our inclusive Coronavirus response (open link in new tab).

Images: Top – CBM Partner MEHUCA joining together for a Committee meeting prior to lockdown restrictions. Middle – Poster created as part of our programme in Malawi, providing vital information about how to protect yourself from Covid-19. Bottom – University students receiving mental health support at Chuka University in Kenya, prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.