Worldwide, depression affects 280 million people. The pandemic has increased the numbers. They call to become aware and seek professional help for their treatment.
Pandemic and mental health: Depression is a disease that affects 280 million people worldwide
According to the Nervous System Research Center (Cisne) of Mexico, depression is a disease that affects 280 million people worldwide. In Latin America, 5% of the active population suffers from this disorder.
The pandemic has increased cases not only of depression, but also of anxiety. In this sense, the Mexican Psychoanalytic Association confirmed that since 2020 depression is the main mental illness in the country.
On the other hand, in dialogue with the EFE agency, the neuropsychiatrist Edilberto Peña stated “in the next decade, the consequences of mental health in the population currently living in the context of the pandemic will continue to be addressed.”
A person with depression is not weak or lazy
Stigma, myths and self-diagnosis are barriers that health professionals face daily, therefore there is a general call to become aware of this serious condition. “A person with depression is not weak or lazy; he is a sick person” declares Jacqueline Cortés, psychiatrist and president of the Mexican Psychiatric Association.
A report showed that between 14.7% and 22% of the health personnel interviewed in 2020 presented symptoms that led to the suspicion of a depressive episode.
Health personnel from eleven Latin American countries present high rates of depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts and psychological distress, according to the results of a study led by the universities of Chile and Columbia, with the collaboration of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). ).
Between 14.7% and 22% of the health personnel interviewed in 2020 presented symptoms that led to the suspicion of a depressive episode
The COVID-19 report HEalth care wOrkErs Study (HEROES) shows that between 14.7% and 22% of the health personnel interviewed in 2020 presented symptoms that made it possible to suspect a depressive episode, while between 5 and 15% of the personnel said that they thought about committing suicide.
The study also shows that in some countries only about a third of those who said they needed it received psychological care.
“The pandemic has shown the wear and tear of health personnel and in the countries where the health system has collapsed, the personnel have suffered strenuous hours and ethical dilemmas that have had an impact on their mental health,” said Anselm Hennis, director of the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases. and PAHO Mental Health. “The pandemic is not over. It is essential to take care of those who take care of us,” he stressed.
The report underlines that it is urgent to develop specific policies that allow organizing actions that protect the mental health of these workers. In this sense, it recommends modifying the work environment and guaranteeing adequate working conditions. Also, grant decent remuneration, stable contractual conditions and create spaces where teams can talk, let off steam and practice self-care.
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