Kudos to The Guardian as this article is done is such a phenomenally responsible way. It sounds alarm bells at a time when we need them to go off…but unlike other global health predicaments, it doesn’t hyperbolize the state we’re in, or cause mass panic.
I know it’s the end of 2020. I’ll share a more uplifting note tomorrow to close out the yr. But for today, please go w me on why this article is so impt for all of us:
1) At a time when health content on most/all outlets is dominated by COVID, The Guardian found someone considered to be the UK’s leading psychiatrist, Dr Adrian James, the pres of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, to share his expert take.
2) They discuss the overall mental HEALTH ramifications. They don’t interchangeably use the terms mental health & mental illness. In fact they explain…
3) This will probably be the biggest hit to MH since WW2, & explain WHY…
4) MH is cumulative when we don’t address it. It doesn’t just go away when the virus is under control & there are few ppl in the hospital. They explain how MH is impacted bc of the social consequences & the economic fallout of COVID. They give examples we can all relate to – uncertainties over employment, housing, & broader economic hardships, as well as the emotional impact of seeing friends & loved ones get physically sick & sadly even pass.
5) They talk abt a plan that ensures those who develop mental illness (from the factors listed above) or see existing conditions worsen, have swift access to support, in the yrs ahead. This drills home how MH is on a continuum, whereas MI a PLACE on the continuum. Squashes the idea that MI is just a “genetic thing” – showing folks that everyone is susceptible.
6) It gives direction, that based on how many will be impacted: We’ll need to support the volunteer sector, the charities/nonprofits doing the work on the ground to provide sufficient cover for what’s ahead.
If we had more pieces like this one – that explain exactly what’s going on, & what is needed, we’d much better equipped to address this global epidemic that’s upon us that gets way less ink & & air time.
