Different Life-altering Realities: The Global Post-Pandemic Mental Health Crisis

In recent years, mental health has become increasingly prominent in discussions surrounding public health as the rates of mental health disorders have increased considerably. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being in which individuals can develop their own potential, cope with life’s stressors, work productively, and contribute to their communities. Now more than ever, mental health is a concern for many people worldwide.

This pandemic has intensified the decline in mental health among the population. The pandemic exacerbated psychological, biological, social, economic, geopolitical, and environmental determinants. In addition, it affected other factors like poverty, violence, inequality and environmental degradation— which are all factors that may increase the prevalence of mental illness.

Public health officials, specialized medical institutions, and physicians have declared that there is a health crisis due to a rise of mental health problems and a lack of healthcare preparedness. At the same time, innovative pharmaceutical companies have prioritized pharmacological innovations so medical professionals can better help their patients with new treatments focused on treating depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety.

The number of cases is increasing considerably. However, there is still room to reverse this situation by addressing this issue as a major public health problem and by analyzing the pandemic’s impact that led to the increase of mental health issues. Additionally, in an era where social networks and media increasingly influence opinions, self-esteem, and human behavior due to their undeniable connection with audiences, it is crucial to design a strategy that addresses the issue from a communications perspective.

It is important to use big data and artificial intelligence to better understand the conversation and be able to address this problem. The key for this transformation will include designing and implementing effective communication plans that reduce stigmas and encourage people to seek help. Overall, we need to design public policies and openly communicate pharmacological research developments and share all of the available resources across health care systems.