The United Nations has warned that the coronavirus pandemic risks sparking a major global mental health crisis. The UN says while protecting physical health has been the main concern during the first months of the crisis, it is also placing huge mental strains on large swathes of the global population.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that "After decades of neglect and underinvestment in mental health services, the COVID-19 pandemic is now hitting families and communities with additional mental stress." "Even when the pandemic is brought under control, grief, anxiety and depression will continue to affect people and communities," he said.