MENTAL HEALTH CONCERN DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN NEPAL
Abstract
The whole world struggles to combat COVID-19 pandemic forcing
nations to take extreme measures in an attempt to prevent outbreaks
and save lives. It has been noted that COVID-19 has established itself as
a risk factor for psychological distress among the population of different
subgroups. There are several factors such as uncertainties, controversies,
misinformation, social isolation, stigma and discrimination which are
escalating the risk of massive mental distress among the public. Nepal is
trying to increase its effort to combat COVID-19 by adopting community
containment measures, but the mental health of the frontline health
workforce, service providers and the general public seems to be highly
overshadowed. In this aspect, this paper aims to shed light over different
aspects of mental health issues emerging in Nepal during the time of
COVID-19 lockdown, along with some of its potential contributing factors.
Nepal lacks adequate infrastructure and human resource to provide mental
healthcare services effectively in case of any massive mental distress.
In this state of resource deprivation, providing education and training
regarding psychosocial issues to health system leaders, first responders
and health care professionals could be a key to address the population
need at present and to prevent further complications.
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