Mental health focus

THE revelation that cases of people suffering from depression may increase to between 2140 and 5197 by the end of 2020 in Fiji, is interesting. The figure is according to the United Nations (UN) Pacific Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of COVID-19 in Fiji which was first released in July this year.

The cases, according to the report, could also potentially lead to an increase of between three and eight cases of suicide by the end of the year. This definitely is a worry.

Treated cases of severe mental disorders, it revealed, may increase by between 45 and 91 cases.

“The increase in mental illnesses will require more resources allocated for mental health as well, including between 14 and 16 additional mental health professionals to cover the needs of the population.”

This is perhaps a critical issue that will have to be urgently considered and addressed.

Are we prepared for a surge in cases?

Have we considered the impact on our healthcare system?

The report said by 2021 depression cases may still be higher by between 1223 and 4280, with an additional 306 to 3362 cases of depression in 2022.

The World Health Organization had in 2017 reported that 30,568 Fijians were suffering from depression, a number which was particularly high because of severe TC Winston, which hit Fiji in 2016.

The Mental Health ATLAS 2017 Member State Profile of Fiji stated a suicide mortality rate of 5 per 100,000 people.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, we probably could expect elevated figures related to stress and anxiety.

The report emphasises levels of loneliness, depression, substance abuse and self-harm or suicidal behaviour could be expected during the pandemic.

“WHO also puts special emphasis on vulnerable groups regarding mental health, such as healthcare and other frontline workers, informal or self-employed workers, migrants and refugees, women and children exposed to abuse or violence and persons with pre-existing mental or physical health conditions or disabilities.”

We learn that 28 per cent of respondents who were between 20 and 24 years old felt anxious most of the time.

These revelations touch at the very heart of our expected responses to the scenarios that have been forced on us by the pandemic.

We are definitely not alone in this though.

Now that we know what we are dealing with, attention should be focused on creating a level of awareness that works for us all.

Scenarios may change.

How we deal with the changing landscape is important.

Our challenge is to understand them and factor in appropriate responses.