Mumbai: Covid-19 pandemic and influence on mental health led the number of 3.5 lakh records – to seek counseling and care from the public health system in Maharashtra in 2020-21.
In Mumbai, 80,000 others have called BMC-MPower Helpline for Covid’s related sadness since April 2020.
“In 2020, we advised many migrants who left the country because Covid and we also held a special OPD counseling clinic, producing a higher outreach, “Dr.
Sadhana Took, Deputy Director of Health Services.
Growth in state services can be assessed from the fact that only 1.3 lakh reaches the mental health network of the country’s district in 2016-17.
In 2021 so far, 1.19 lakh has been assisted.
“These figures do not include patients with chronic diseases under the treatment at the state government hospital,” said a State Official.
Activists say pandemics have shown the need to improve mental health services in the public health system.
“Covid has denied life.
The online support group for those who in sadness caused by Covid has seen a stable member over the past few months,” said Psychiatrist Dr.
Harish Shetty, who partnered with Mpower NGOs for initiatives.
This group has parents, siblings and colleagues who lose someone for Covid.
“People who attend support group meetings want opportunities and support.
While face-to-face counseling is the best, under the situation we can help people support each other through sadness,” said Dr.
Sapna Seat from Mpower.
In Mumbai, where 16,000 pluses have died of Covid, BMC-MPower Helpline has seen maximum calls from people in the age group 18 to 40 years.
“Millennium is the most affected, because most callers (53%) are between 26 and 40 years,” said an official.
On the occasion of world mental health on Sundays, which have asked the state to strengthen services to meet increasing needs.
“The majority of people living with mental health problems in low-income and medium countries do not get adequate treatment,” said Dr.
Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director of the Southeast Asia region.