World Mental Health Day is commemorated on 10 October 2020. In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has emotionally affected individuals, it is important to highlight the following information from the World Health Organization.

Mental, neurological and substance use disorders account for more than 10% of the global disease burden. The lost productivity resulting from depression and anxiety, two of the most common mental disorders, cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year. 

Fear, worry, and stress are normal responses to perceived or real threats, and at times when we are faced with uncertainty or the unknown. So it is normal and understandable that people are experiencing fear in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Added to the fear of contracting the virus, are the significant changes the pandemic placed on daily lives - such as restrictions being put in place in support of efforts to contain and slow down the spread of the virus.  

It is important during this ongoing pandemic to be cognizant of how we are affected emotionally and to take care to look after our mental, as well as our physical health.

Attached you will find an illustrated stress management guide for coping with adversity, as developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The guide aims to equip people with practical skills to help cope with stress.  Informed by evidence and extensive field testing, the guide is for anyone who experiences stress, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances (who.int/publications/i/item/9789240003927). 

Should the need arise, please do not hesitate to contact the Employee Health and Wellness unit for a consultation and/or a referral to a external mental health professional.

Information Source: WHO (2020). Extracted from who.int/publications/i/item/9789240003927