Questions about Uncertainty

Despite broad recognition of the importance of mental health policies, data collected by the World Health Organisation shows that 40.5% of countries have no mental health policies and that 33.3% have no mental health programme (WHO, 2006).

But what do mental health policies mean for citizens? Do policies respond to the needs of society? What do people with mental health disorders need? What about people in vulnerable situations? What about businesses and schools? 

Mental health was already a priority on government agendas, but the pandemic has stressed the urgency of responding to the emotional well-being and mental needs of society as a whole. 

Previous crises set a precedent. The psychological suffering of the general population and of people already suffering from mental disorders was increased in those times of crisis. It is important, in return, to carry out correct and objective reading of the situation of each country and each community, in order to not psychoanalyse the population and to restore its capacity for adaptation and resilience. 

The best strategy for dealing with a period of uncertainty that will keep continuing for us is to ask ourselves the key questions and work on finding answers together y involving the different ages: the affected people themselves, planners, employers, social and educational agents and, of course, health professionals.