#BTColumn – COVID-19 and mental health

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today Inc.

According to the World Health Organization, mental health is “… a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”.

The world has been plunged into a global pandemic due to COVID-19. It has adversely affected every facet of human life, including the mental health of many persons.

Due to COVID-19, many persons have lost their jobs, could or can no longer meet with family and/or friends, and they have also had their travel trips cancelled.

Additionally, many countries’ borders are or were closed, causing many persons to be left in another country for longer than they may have originally intended. Moreover, the mere thought of being exposed to COVID-19 by someone else may have some people fearful of their health or life and/or anxious about their movements. Furthermore, many persons have experienced, or are experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one dying from COVID-19.

As a result of all the aforementioned and more, many persons may have been and/or are currently struggling with feelings of sadness, loneliness, despair, anxiety, depression, etc. COVID-19 has, therefore, reminded many of us about the importance of having good mental health. Do not think that just because someone looks physically healthy on the outside that all is well with them mentally, as that may not always be the case.

COVID-19 has also reminded many of us about the importance of healthy relationships with other individuals. What would this world be if we did not have each other? I think that it would be a very sad and lonely place.

As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, I encourage us to love and uplift each other, instead of trying to bring down one another. This world already has enough problems, and many people are already struggling. Don’t add further to their problems.

Everyone is fighting a battle and trying their best to manage and survive. As humanity has survived other dark periods in its history, I am confident that most of us will survive COVID-19 and continue to thrive. The times may be challenging now, but I am hopeful for a better future. Thank you for your time.

Jeshua Bardoo is a 2012 Vincentian National Exhibition Scholar and a 2019/20 Chevening Scholar studying an LLM International Human Rights Law at Brunel University, London. He can be contacted at jeshuabardoo@gmail.com.