The Pandemic’s Toll on Mental Health in the Americas

Published by the Pan American Health Organization, the study examines the pandemic’s impact on both mental health and the mental health services offered in the region. It reveals that:

• In the U.S., rates of anxiety increased from 8.1% pre-pandemic, to 37% at the end of 2020, and rates of depression increased from 6.5% to 30%.
• In Canada, the proportion of people who reported high levels of anxiety quadrupled, while depression doubled.
• In Peru, the prevalence of depression symptoms was five times higher than pre-pandemic rates.

The report also underscored the need for immediate action in the region. It advised:

• Scaling up emergency mental health and psychosocial support. Good mental health is a fundamental human right, the report argues, and all people need equal and uninterrupted access to these services. Capacity building can be an important tool to help meet the increased demand for mental health services.
• Leaving no one behind. Populations with an increased need for mental health services cannot be forgotten. Communication materials should be available that outline services and are relevant and specific to the communities they address.
• Transforming mental health services for the future. The pandemic has highlighted longstanding gaps in mental health services across the region. The heightened visibility brought about by the pandemic allows for a renewed focus on rebuilding these systems and services. Efforts include integrating mental health services into universal health coverage, scaling up and reallocating funds, and establishing community-based mental health care.
• Applying a whole-of-society approach with high-level political commitment. For these changes to be successful, all stakeholders – across sectors – should be involved. The support and involvement of policymakers within the countries is also critical to push changes forward.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the heightened need for mental health services and support remains. Countries should work quickly to improve and enhance the mental health services and systems of the region, ensuring that all those who need it can access it.

To learn more about the effect of the pandemic on mental health, read “Strengthening mental health responses to COVID-19 in the Americas: A health policy analysis and recommendations.”