Physical distancing is key to the world’s public health response to COVID-19. While self-isolation is necessary, the disruption to daily life and important social routines has made uncertainty a key feature of our lives.
As the lockdown’s impact extends into the economy, many people are also facing the prospect of lay-offs and pay cuts, making them even more vulnerable to mental health challenges.
“Mental health issues are only likely to increase due to the COVID-19 crisis,” says Dr Taha Sabri, an alumnus and founder of mental health non-profit, Taskeen Health Initiative. “In these uncertain times, we need a public narrative of hope, calm and resilience.”
Dr Taha Sabri, MBBS ’14, who regularly advocates for the importance of mental health on Pakistani television, believes that much more needs to be done to protect people’s wellbeing during these unpredictable times. His organisation Taskeen has now partnered with healthcare providers and other institutions to jointly launch the nationwide Pakistan COVID Mental Health Response which seeks to provide knowledge, skills and support to those affected by mental health problems during this crisis.
The partners are running a mental health helpline, staffed by 50 counsellors, to provide advice and support during these challenging times. In addition, workshops are jointly being planned for COVID-19 patients and frontline healthcare professionals to help address their specific concerns.
The partners have also launched a public awareness campaign in collaboration with a major local television and radio broadcast network to empower the public to cope with changes around them and to work through their difficulties.
“There’s an African Proverb: ‘To go fast go alone, to go far go together.’ We must step up and provide support to one another in order to address a surge of mental health issues in our population,” Dr Taha Sabri adds.
Physical distancing is key to the world’s public health response to COVID-19. While self-isolation is necessary, the disruption to daily life and important social routines has made uncertainty a key feature of our lives.
As the lockdown’s impact extends into the economy, many people are also facing the prospect of lay-offs and pay cuts, making them even more vulnerable to mental health challenges.
“Mental health issues are only likely to increase due to the COVID-19 crisis,” says Dr Taha Sabri, an alumnus and founder of mental health non-profit, Taskeen Health Initiative. “In these uncertain times, we need a public narrative of hope, calm and resilience.”
Dr Taha Sabri, MBBS ’14, who regularly advocates for the importance of mental health on Pakistani television, believes that much more needs to be done to protect people’s wellbeing during these unpredictable times. His organisation Taskeen has now partnered with healthcare providers and other institutions to jointly launch the nationwide Pakistan COVID Mental Health Response which seeks to provide knowledge, skills and support to those affected by mental health problems during this crisis.
The partners are running a mental health helpline, staffed by 50 counsellors, to provide advice and support during these challenging times. In addition, workshops are jointly being planned for COVID-19 patients and frontline healthcare professionals to help address their specific concerns.
The partners have also launched a public awareness campaign in collaboration with a major local television and radio broadcast network to empower the public to cope with changes around them and to work through their difficulties.
“There’s an African Proverb: ‘To go fast go alone, to go far go together.’ We must step up and provide support to one another in order to address a surge of mental health issues in our population,” Dr Taha Sabri adds.