24 April 2020- As part of its weekly mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and COVID-19 webinar series, the Mental Health and Substance Use Unit organized a virtual seminar on lived experiences of mental health and COVID-19, hosted by Subregional Advisors on Mental Health for Central and South America. 179 people were in attendance.
Speakers included Rosita Dacal from Argentina, and Olivia Cano Godoy, a human rights and environmental advocate from Paraguay, who shared their experiences of the current situation during COVID-19 through the lens of women with lived experience of mental health problems.
It is normal to feel afraid, worried or stressed during the COVID-pandemic. For people with pre-existing mental health or substance use conditions, the circumstances created by COVID-19 can make managing these conditions even more challenging; reduced access to psychological services and support groups, physical distancing from loved ones, and disruptions to normal routines can contribute to stress that triggers or worsens symptoms of mental health conditions. It is important to maintain social connectedness during COVID-19 and to reach out to family, colleagues or health professionals if struggling during this difficult time.
People with a lived experience of mental health issues, and their families and carers, hold unique insights into the impact of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing conditions and how mental health and psychosocial support services during COVID-19 can best respond to the mental health needs of those suffering from mental health problems.
Recording (Spanish)