Kyriakidou: Need to address the impact of coronavirus on mental health

The EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakidoustressed the need to do everything possible to address the impact of Covid-19 on mental health.

In a statement on World Mental Health Day on 10 October, she said: “Citizens across the EU and around the world have shown remarkable resilience and strength in the face of an unprecedented public health crisis. But at the same time, after 18 months of living with Covid-19, a silent pandemic of mental health challenges is sweeping the European Union and beyond, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable. “The existing inequalities have become even more apparent.”

He added that this is why this year’s theme, “Mental Health in an Unequal World”, is very appropriate. It is an opportunity to shed light on the need to do what we can to ensure equal access to mental health services, to support those caring for family members or friends with mental health problems, and to address any stigma and discrimination they experience. those affected by mental health difficulties “.

“For the last 18 months, front-line workers have been facing endless, exhausting shifts. We have seen caregivers and senior citizens spend months living in isolation. Many have lost family members, other loved ones, homes or jobs. Children lose socialization and education, parents struggle, reports of domestic violence increase. Each wave of the virus undoubtedly poses new challenges to the mental health of every individual. In addition, patients diagnosed with Covid-19 may be at risk for psychiatric or even neurological problems. “The psychological impact of Covid-19 permeates our societies”, added Ms. Kyriakidou.

“We must work to create more resilient health systems, support those in need and address the stigma surrounding mental health. The recovery and resilience mechanism, at the heart of NextGenerationEU, will help the EU emerge stronger and more resilient from the pandemic. “I welcome the fact that many Member States will be investing in mental health support and the modernization of services as well as special facilities as part of recovery and resilience projects,” she said.