Warning that the Covid-19 crisis is increasing “psychological suffering”, UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for an ambitious commitments from countries to address mental health issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic, amid a potential global spike in suicides and drug abuse.
Ahead of the upcoming World Health Assembly in Geneva, UN Secretary General in a video message launching a policy briefing on Wednesday urged the international community to do much more to protect all those facing mounting mental pressures.
“Mental health is at the core of our humanity.
It enables us to lead rich and fulfilling lives and to participate in our communities. But the Covid-19 virus is not only attacking our physical health; it is also increasing psychological suffering,” Guterres said.
Launching the UN policy brief — Covid-19 And The Need for Action On Mental Health — Guterres highlighted how those most at risk today were “frontline healthcare workers, older people, adolescents and young people, those with pre-existing mental health conditions and those caught up in conflict and crisis. We must help them and stand by them.”