According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of anxiety and depression increased significantly by 25% globally during the first year of the COVID-19 epidemic. The WHO highlights the groups most affected and summarizes the impact of the new crown epidemic on the availability of mental health services and how this has changed over the course of the epidemic.

One major explanation for the increase is the unprecedented stress caused by the social isolation resulting from the COVID-19.  In addition, loneliness, fear of infection, pain and death for one's friends or families, and financial worries have been identified as stressors that lead to anxiety and depression. Among health workers, exhaustion is a major trigger for suicidal thoughts.

1) Young People and Women Worst Hit

The COVID-19 epidemic has affected the mental health of young people, who are at very high risk of adopting suicidal and self-harming behaviors. In addition, the survey reports that women are more severely affected than men and that people with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, cancer and heart disease are more likely to experience symptoms of mental disorders. 

2) Gaps in Care

 While rates of mental health problems have increased, mental health services have been severely disrupted, leaving a huge legacy of unattended care for those most in need. For much of the COVID-19 epidemic, people have experienced increased mental stress and a lack of security. Many people have taken self-protective measures, such as purchasing COVID-19 Self-Testing Kits to ensure their safety. This greatly enhances the sense of security as well as calms the mental stress. Despite this, many countries have also shown that some life-saving mental health services have suffered significant disruptions from the new crown epidemic.

3) WHO and country action

WHO Member States have recognized the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and are taking action. 90% of the world's countries are working to provide mental health and psychosocial support to COVID-19 patients and health care workers