COVID-19 and mental health disorders 

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a destructive challenge has badly effected the social,
economic, and health care systems of the world. The pandemic has also effect Pakistan
destructively. On 26 February 2020, first case of the deadly virus was reported in Pakistan.
And as of today, 929000 cases have been reported in Pakistan since then along with 21105
deaths. This virus has also created a strong impact on the mental health suffering. The
lockdown imposed by the Government, self isolation, and quarantine has become so
extensive, generating anxiety, depression, panic, insecurity, and other mental illnesses. A
large number of people have lost their jobs and are suffering from unemployment. 34 suicide
cases have been reported in Pakistan who were suffering from partial unemployment due to
lockdown. Mental health crisis due to COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan has become
devastating and it’s effects are going to persist in long term so effective measures are needed
to be taken to address mental health issues in Pakistan. As a community Psychologist, I will
take following steps to promote consciousness raising and enhance the awareness regarding
mental health disorders caused by the COVID-19. 

Steps for consciousness raising:

 I would help local NGOs in addressing the mental health disorders by providing
necessary information to the people about the impact of COVID on mental health
especially in the rural communities of Pakistan. 

 I would encourage different organizations and local administrations to establish

rehabilitation centers to rural areas that lack similar initiatives of the Government. 

 As a community psychologist I would use mass media as a tool to motivate people in

the crisis of hopelessness and provide awareness on the mental health issues and the
possible measures people can take themselves to remain optimistic and hopeful. 

 I would give counseling sessions and encourage other psychologists to give

counseling sessions on Social media and even television where they can address large
audience. 

 I would suggest the mass media to create patriotic and emotional dramas, movies and
songs and the national TV should air them to minimize the risk of stress in the nation. 

 As a community psychologist, I would also suggest the TV channels to arrange shows

that can give awareness to people about the mental health issues and how they can
treat these mental health issues. 

 Religious scholars have a huge impact on masses, these scholars would be suggested
to use social media to deliver speeches to boost the morale of people to face the
ongoing crisis. 

 To raise consciousness about the mental problems related to COVID-19, I would also
use mobile messages to address people about the situation. 
 Local radio stations could also be used to motivate people to stay indoor and follow
possible precautions so that they can stay safe and prevent the deadly disease. I would
encourage people to follow precautions instead of getting panic and hopeless. 

 Banners are also great source for consciousness raising, I would also use this as a tool
to enhance the awareness regarding mental health disorders in the rural communities
of the country,