What is the psychological cost of the coronavirus?

More than 264 million people worldwide were affected by depression, and suicide was the second-leading cause of death among young people – and that was before the coronavirus pandemic.

Before distance and isolation became our new experience of life; before grieving loved ones without being able to say goodbye; and before the sudden loss of jobs.

Such difficult experiences have led to elevated levels of stress and anxiety, experts say. They warn of a potential rise in suicides and drug abuse, and a possible psychological cost in the coming years, after the pandemic is over.

Human Rights Watch has urged governments to expand mental healthcare services. The United Nations says facilities already lacking resources and people fleeing violence, are of particular concern.

So, what is the long-term impact of the coronavirus on people’s mental health?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom

Guests:

Donna Dawson – Psychologist specialising in personality and behaviour

Kriti Shama – Senior researcher in the Disability Rights Division at Human Rights Watch 

Mayssoun Hamzeh – Social psychology consultant