Opinion | As the coronavirus deepens inequality, mental health care access for all must be a focus

Name: Covid-19 is taking a ‘deep toll’ on Hong Kong's mental health, top government adviser Wong Yan-lung
Uploaded: 2021-10-12T20:30:24.000Z
Duration: 2 min 19 s
Description: Covid-19 is taking a ‘deep toll’ on Hong Kong's mental health, top government adviser Wong Yan-lung

The World Health Organization’s mental health action plan sets out clear actions for member states, including priorities around suicide prevention

Increasing suicide rates among the youth, under-reporting of suicide among refugees, and the criminilisation of suicide in some countries are areas of concern

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October is World Mental Health Month and an opportunity to remind people that it is OK not to be OK and seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Photo: Shutterstock

Paul Yip

Published: 4:30am, 13 Oct 2021

October is the month designated for promoting mental health. It provides us with the opportunity to raise awareness about global mental health concerns and to urge for renewed action. The theme “Mental Health in an Unequal World” highlights the global differences and challenges we face in ensuring mental health care for all.

The full impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is as yet unclear, but it has already disproportionately hurt vulnerable, marginalised people. School suspensions have severely disrupted social support, especially for those from disadvantaged groups.

People considered low-skill workers – such as cleaners and security guards – are unable to enjoy the work-from-home arrangements many others do. Medical and health workers are also doing their duties diligently. These are the unsung heroes in the community who keep us safe and healthy.

The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated inequality not only in accessibility of vaccines but also in mental health care access around the world. There are many areas where more work needs to be done to ensure mental health care for all and address the global challenges in mental health care and treatment.

Given that global momentum on and awareness of these issues are high, we have the opportunity to act and make a difference.

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Covid-19 is taking a ‘deep toll’ on Hong Kong's mental health, top government adviser Wong Yan-lung

The World Health Organization’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan provides global direction and sets out clear actions for member states, the WHO Secretariat and international, regional and national partners to take. It calls on them to promote mental health and well-being for all, prevent mental health conditions for those at risk and achieve universal coverage for mental health services.