The World Health Organisation (WHO) has cautioned against a rise in depression, anxiety and substance use disorders as the economic & social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to increase.

According to a new policy brief by WHO and the United Nations, specific population groups are at particular risk of COVID-related psychological distress. These include, Frontline health-care workers, faced with heavy workloads, life-or-death decisions, and risk of infection, are particularly affected. 

Children, adolescents and older people especially those living alone are also at risk as well and people with pre-existing mental health conditions.

Women

Women, particularly those who are juggling home-schooling, working from home and household tasks, have also been cited among those at risk of developing mental disorders.

WHO director, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said mental health is just as important  as physical health and the pandemic is serving us this reminder.