While the world before the pandemic was already filled with plenty of stress, many people thought a world under lockdown offered a good break from the ordinary routine. The first few weeks provided some people with peace, as many transitioned to a work-from-home setup. However, this feeling quickly faded when healthcare news seemed to be on a downward spiral, and better healthcare turned for worse in most places.
With the virus bringing isolation, health threats, insecurities, economic hardships, and other uncertainties to people worldwide, overall wellbeing plummeted. Mental health degraded fast during the early phases of the pandemic, and in the US, mass layoffs have left people in a panicked state. Without any means to support their families and themselves, mental illnesses’ pressing issues are becoming more of a reality today than ever before.
The True Impacts of the Pandemic Mentally
The American health benefits system has always been complicated for some people, and the pandemic has made it even more inaccessible. These uncertainties on the treatment of the virus have affected almost 50% of adults’ mental health. COVID-19 has created a challenging time for many in different sectors. Whether it is the healthcare industry or the business sphere, the collapse seems to be moving in steadily.
With the impacts of mental health incredibly potent on adults of all ages, this has led to increased substance abuse and elevated suicide rates. The Centers for Disease Control reported that most of those affected by the pandemic’s damaging impacts are minority groups, essential workers, and adult caregivers that are not paid.
While this is true for America, it is undoubtedly similar to many places worldwide struggling to stay afloat through the pandemic’s course. The impact on America’s economy has caused a ripple effect on the rest of the world doing business with them and operating with a globalization-centered approach.
Three Focus Areas For Improved Pandemic Mental Health Assistance
The first aspect to help countries stay alive during the war on COVID-19 is to support the frontline workforces. Health leaders must always aim to provide the best support systems, such as accessible behavioral health treatments for the workforce struggling to operate daily. Fears, stress, and overall despair often shroud essential workers’ lives, which means that anytime they fall, that is one less troop needed to fight the virus.
Continuity of care takes the second spot, which must be maintained to sustain the chances of success. The issue with today’s world is that many healthcare industry services are packed with cases of COVID-19. Any extra illnesses or injuries attributed to non-essential workers failing to abide by safety protocols place undue stress on medical personnel. By practicing empathy, being a team player, and listening to pandemic guidelines, everyone can practice continuity of care for essential healthcare industry workers.
The last point is to utilize infrastructure developments to leverage better opportunities to close the treatment gap. Local leaders can take the initiative and formulate plans to optimize infrastructure that assists essential workers. By increasing safety in public transport systems for expedited travel, adding R&R areas for workers, and increasing health benefits will make the fight easier. With an improved technological infrastructure system to assist doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, those working in high-risk environments will receive more robust protection.
Conclusion
2020 has introduced numerous challenges to the world. With plenty of people deteriorating due to poor mental health environments, uncertainties, and extreme fatigue, more must be done to help people survive. Optimizing the mental health support for essential workers will allow them to relax and recuperate, helping them fight against COVID-19.
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