Digital tools for mental health in a crisis

EN BREF ...

"In January, 2021, WHO member states stressed the importance of integrating mental health into response and preparedness plans for public health emergencies, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. To meet these aims, the WHO Executive Board urged member states to develop and strengthen services for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) by promoting equitable access to remote health services during the pandemic and beyond, and to study the impact of the pandemic on mental health. What has been the role of digital tools for mental health during the pandemic thus far, and how might it help health services identify challenges that are still to come? The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a substantial amount of distress experienced by people both with and without a prior mental health diagnosis. However, the necessary restrictions of lockdown have limited physical access to mental health services. A study by Mansfield and colleagues published in The Lancet Digital Health found a substantial decrease in the number of primary care contacts for mental health conditions following the introduction of the first UK lockdown in March, 2020. This study highlights the need for alternative means of delivering mental health services." En bref issu de l'étude.