How to Support Displaced Populations’ Mental Health during Lockdown

This article discussed how COVID-19 is expected to have a huge impact on mental health globally, but displaced populations including refugees, migrants, and internally displaced people will be disproportionately affected.

The prevalence of mental health conditions is already higher among displaced populations and measures in place to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus are likely to exacerbate these. As a result, it is critical that mental health support is part of the ongoing response and that it reaches these populations.

On top of the existing challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic means people in the camps are anxious about what will happen when the disease reaches them — they know there is not enough health care or medical staff. The article goes on to describe the situation, and possible solutions, in the areas of education, tackling misinformation, adapting interventions, and integrating mental health into other services.

Last modified: July 21, 2020

Language: English