How is the pandemic affecting mental health in developing countries? Article by Asad Islam
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed and deepened mental health challenges across the globe, but its impact has been felt most severely in developing countries. Inspired by the research and policy insights of Dr. Asad Islam, I am compelled to highlight some lessons that the world’s mental health community and policymakers should not ignore.
Dr. Islam’s interview with Economics Observatory lays bare the realities faced by millions in countries where health budgets and mental health infrastructure were limited even before the pandemic struck. In places like Bangladesh and many other developing nations, less than 0.5% of healthcare spending is devoted to mental health, leading to profound service gaps and leaving most people without treatment. This problem was only magnified by Covid-19, which triggered job losses, economic insecurity, and greater social isolation—all of which are proven drivers of psychological distress.
One of Dr. Islam’s most important findings is the outsized vulnerability of women. The combination of economic hardship, increased unpaid care responsibilities, and gender disparity has caused women to experience higher levels of anxiety and depression. His research shows the pandemic’s impact is not gender-neutral, and future solutions must address these disparities directly.
But there’s also hope. Dr. Islam presents real, scalable solutions using the tools most available in resource-constrained settings—including mobile tele-counselling, low-cost technology interventions, and training local, non-specialist counsellors. Programs like the tele-counselling initiative launched by BRAC in Bangladesh demonstrate that even short and simple interventions can make a significant difference—reducing stress, relieving depression, and building a foundation for well-being that extends to families and communities.
He also stresses that empowering approaches and context-appropriate skills training are key to resilience—not just labeling people as “patients.” Governance reforms, targeted policy, and low-cost innovations can foster happier, healthier societies even with constrained resources.
To read the full article, please click on this link- https://www.economicsobservatory.com/how-is-the-pandemic-affecting-mental-health-in-developing-countries?
"The pandemic sparked incredible community resilience in places like Zimbabwe, where trained grandmothers on Friendship Benches are providing talk therapy to thousands, turning elders into mental health heroes!"
ReplyDeleteWhile the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to mental health worldwide, including in developing countries, it also catalyzed remarkable resilience, innovation, and community-driven progress. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where resources are often limited, the crisis highlighted the strength of social bonds, adaptive coping mechanisms, and policy advancements that have bolstered mental well-being for many. Below, I outline key positive aspects, drawing from global health insights and examples from regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
ReplyDeleteSuch an insightful contribution! 🌍 Dr. Asad Islam’s work sheds light on a vital issue and offers practical, scalable solutions to support vulnerable communities worldwide. 🙌 #MentalHealthMatters #ResearchForChange
ReplyDeleteThe crisis prompted 90% of surveyed countries, including many LMICs, to integrate mental health into national COVID-19 plans, leading to WHO-guided resources and increased funding that laid foundations for sustainable universal health coverage
ReplyDeleteGreat job addressing a critical issue! Adding personal narratives or case studies from affected communities could make the impact more vivid and relatable, enhancing the article's emotional resonance and reader engagement.
ReplyDeleteGreat insights on mental health challenges in developing countries during the pandemic! Including more data on specific regions or interventions could further strengthen the analysis. Well-written and thought-provoking piece!
ReplyDeleteYouth mental health crises have worsened, with pre-existing trends amplified by school closures and social restrictions.1946f3 Overall, while some meta-analyses note minimal changes in general mental health for certain populations, slight increases in depression symptoms have been observed, especially in resource-limited settings.b70767
ReplyDeleteThe pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools for mental health support in resource-limited settings, making care more accessible and affordable. In many developing countries, where traditional mental health infrastructure was sparse (e.g., fewer than 1 mental health worker per 100,000 people in some low-income nations), telepsychiatry and mobile apps bridged critical gaps.
ReplyDeleteGreat exploration of socioeconomic factors! Adding personal narratives or case studies from affected communities could make the impact more relatable and emphasize the urgency of mental health support in these regions.
ReplyDeleteGreat focus on under-resourced regions. Including case studies of local mental health initiatives could further illustrate the challenges and solutions.
ReplyDeleteGrassroots efforts, like training grandmothers as counselors in Zimbabwe or survivor-led clubs in India, have provided culturally tailored support, fostering hope and reducing stigma.
ReplyDeleteInitiatives like group therapy in India and Ethiopia reported 20-30% reductions in stress for participants, thanks to peer support networks that persisted beyond the crisis.
ReplyDeleteThis is a crucial,often-overlooked perspective. You effectively highlight the economic-health feedback loop. I'd be curious to know if you've seen any data on how community-based support networks in these countries have been leveraged or overwhelmed, as this seems like a critical layer between individual and institutional response.
ReplyDeleteInsightful read on a critical issue. The focus on resource scarcity is spot-on. Including personal stories or case studies from affected communities could make the impact more relatable and emphasize the urgency of mental health support.
ReplyDeleteThank you for addressing this overlooked topic. The connection between economic strain and mental health is compelling. Adding personal stories or case studies could make the impact even more vivid. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteInsightful piece! It effectively outlines the challenges faced in developing nations. Including examples of successful mental health interventions or teletherapy programs could provide a hopeful perspective. Thanks for shedding light on this topic!
ReplyDeleteStudies in countries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Iran have highlighted tech-based solutions, such as mobile apps for stress management, offering hope amid rising challenges. These efforts not only address immediate needs but also guide scalable, evidence-based strategies that could reduce the global mental health burden by empowering local researchers and policymakers.3cc443
ReplyDeleteThe rise of telehealth and mental health hotlines in countries like Kenya and Nepal has made support more accessible, reducing stigma and improving care.
ReplyDelete"Tech-based interventions are a game-changer—scaling mental health support in developing countries like never before!"
ReplyDelete"Despite challenges, the global focus on mental health during COVID-19 has sparked positive policy changes, strengthening systems for future crises in resource-limited areas."
ReplyDeleteGreat article by Asad Islam! It offers insightful analysis on how age at migration and English proficiency significantly influence immigrants' integration and success in Australia. The research is well-structured and provides valuable perspectives for policymakers and communities alike. Highly recommend!
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