HAS COVID-19 DESTIGMATIZED MENTAL HEALTH?
The public perception of mental health and illness has changed with more people opening up about their experiences and seeking help for it. Nevertheless, mental health is still being viewed negatively in our setting.
Mental health has often been considered less important to physical health sending out messages that mental health disorders or illness are a weakness or even the individual’s fault. People have found it difficult to get jobs as they are considered incapable in their occupations. There also remains a common perception that one can get better from mental illness without treatment just by “trying to cheer-up”.
The COVID-19 pandemic
has introduced a new angle to mental Health. Almost everyone has at some point
during this period been isolated at home, trying to juggle work, home, and the
uncertainty the pandemic has brought. To some extent, everyone is experiencing
some level of anxiety and panic. From students who are combating the
unpredictability of their future to employees who are stressed on the
availability of their jobs to management that is combating the challenges of
global recession as it comes. This is for some, the first time they have
started to think and openly talk about mental health in learning institutions
and workplaces.
The conversations around mental health have begun to become more visible
through different forums including webinars and social media. The COVID-19
crisis has made it evident just how inseparable mental health is from physical
health.
Mental Health professionals are grabbing this moment to push for conversations
around mental health to continue so that individuals can recognize their needs
and seek for help. This is also an opportunity for communities to expand access
to mental health support and encourage individuals to pursue mental health
careers.
Education Board of Africa Federations in an effort to strengthen the support systems
in our community, and to encourage community members to study this field in
depth, offers MENTAL HEALTH LOAN SCHEME. Click
here for more details on the Mental Health Scheme.
For more information on different Mental Health Careers please click
here for AFED EB Newsletter on Mental Health.
SECRETARIAT
AFRICA FEDERATION EDUCATION BOARD