The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health in the Asia-Pacific Region: How the pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues in Asia
- Zoe Gong
- Nov 16, 2023
- 2 min read
COVID-19 has had a profound impact on mental health across Asia, exacerbating existing issues while simultaneously creating new challenges for individuals and health systems. This blog post explores the complete scope of the pandemic on mental health in the region, highlights key findings in the field, and implications for future mental health care.
The pandemic has led to a significant rise in mental health disorders, with the World Health Organization reporting a 25% increase of global anxiety and depression within the first year. Furthermore, a study published in the National Library of Medicine found that the overall prevalence of depression in Southeast Asia rose to 16%. Specific demographics such as healthcare workers and adolescents have been especially affected, with individuals reporting heightened levels of stress due to increased workload, educational disruptions (online learning was certainly an experience), and socioeconomic challenges. In addition, while lockdowns and social distancing measures were at a time necessary for public health, internet overuse and long periods of isolation have only further deteriorated the mental well-being within Asian communities.
Despite the rising need for mental health services, access remained a significant challenge throughout the pandemic. The medical threat heavily disrupted traditional healthcare delivery, prompting a rapid shift to digital mental health (DMH) solutions. While these technologies have improved access for some, they have also highlighted existing inequities. Many at-risk populations face barriers such as a lack of culturally appropriate services, low mental health literacy, and- most critically- inadequate technological infrastructure. As an unintended result, DMH largely barriers marginalized groups from access, raising the need for targeted efforts to ensure equitable access to mental health care across the region. While there’s no denying that DMH has the potential to bridge gaps in mental health care across Asia, the effectiveness of these solutions depend on their accessibility and acceptability among all populations. By integrating DMH into broader health systems, it has the potential to become a plausible, cost-effective method to treat low to moderate severity mental health cases.
In the wake of COVID, which has raised severe implications of personal wellbeing on a global scale, treating mental health has become more important than ever. The ongoing mental health crisis necessitates comprehensive solutions that not only address immediate needs but also build resilience against future challenges and provide long term services to those in need. Though DMH is a solid first step, more measures are required to ensure the equal access of mental health care and education across all countries. By prioritizing the spread of related resources, Asia can work towards a healthier future for all its inhabitants.
Citations:
“Covid-19 and Mental Health.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/covid-19-and-mental-health. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
“Covid-19 Pandemic Triggers 25% Increase in Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Worldwide.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
Tay, Wendy Wan Ying, et al. “Eighteen Months into the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms in Southeast Asia and the Associated Demographic Factors.” Frontiers in Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 4 Aug. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9387355/.
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