The condition of people living with mental health problems will deteriorate because they cannot access clinical support during the COVID-19 outbreak. This, according to Empower Pacific CEO Patrick Morgam.
He said people with mental health issues also found it difficult to access medication and this resulted in relapses.
“They felt generally confused about how and where to access support from since the clinical review dates were deferred,” he said.
Mr Morgan said people of all ages were facing mental problems during the present pandemic because of heightened restrictions to contain the virus. He said people should call helplines to be counselled if they felt depressed.
He said it was also normal for people to feel such in times of crisis.
He said psychological impacts were expected to increase during the pandemic because people had lost jobs and were facing financial crisis.
When contacted for comments regarding the impacts on mental health by COVID-19, St Giles Hospital in Suva did not comment on the issue.
