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BONELA URGES FIRMING UP OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH IN LIGHT OF COVID -19

patriot by patriot
December 13, 2020
in Analysis & Opinions
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BONELA URGES FIRMING UP OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH IN LIGHT OF COVID -19
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The few recorded number and outline of cases of people who committed suicide in Botswana during the lockdown period alone as reported by the media and verified by Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA) partners, speaks volumes about the severity of COVID-19, its effects, and the adverse impact on the mental wellbeing of the population.

In fact, it is understandable that fear, worry and stress are considered normal responses to perceived or real threats and apparent uncertainty. In any case, this is what seems to be obtaining universally as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps across the globe inducing elevated rates of stress and anxiety.

Add to this, the fear of contracting the virus and the daily spectacle of what is happening in countries that have been worst hit by the pandemic, proliferation of scary data and fake news about the origins of the virus on the internet and social media platforms. Moreover; there is trepidation owing to uncertainty regarding the remaining period of the State of Emergency still hovering over the heads and minds of the population with the possibility of lockdowns being reinstated.

The consequent disruption to normal life activities and routine or livelihoods, heightened levels of loneliness, depression, harmful alcohol and drug abuse as well as suicidal reactions and behavior are expected to continue and linger on for some time. This is attributable to the present outlook of the virus around the world and unclear state of progress in identifying sustainable interventions geared at ending the pandemic.

BONELA is therefore concerned that although these adversities have no regard for social or economic status, indications and empirical evidence points to sustained impact on the most at risk members of the population. These being people with mental disorders, LGBTIs, people with underlying conditions, young people and children as well as people with disabilities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes mental health as a state of wellbeing, in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life and can function productively and are able to contribute in a meaningful way to their communities.

As an organization that advocates for universal access to health and making health a reality for all in Botswana, BONELA believes that indeed mental health is fundamental to people’s collective and individual ability as humans to apply themselves and think, emote and interact with each other as well as live happily and profitably.

BONELA submits that whilst everyone is susceptible to the impacts of the stressful implications of the restrictive measures in place subject to the multiple social, psychological and biological factors, more can be done in terms of mental health interventions to focus on people who are more deserving; particularly, people with existing mental disorders including depression, the elderly, children, LGBTIs, people with disabilities and migrants.

Some of the specific ways in which an appropriate environment can be created for the promotion of good mental health may include;

· Following up on medical treatment for people with existing mental disorders

· Initiating psycho-social support centers for people in need of counselling and coping skills and for attending to suicide related concerns including a toll free counselling service

· Community based mental health support groups and programmes targeting vulnerable groups such as young people and children

BONELA therefore urges all stakeholders, government, private sector and Non- Governmental Organisations to mainstream mental health into their programmes and services, and to ensure access to mental health services for all regardless of health and socio-economic status.

To this end; BONELA has safe spaces in Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, Tutume and Letlhakane where mental health services, including psychosocial support are provided.

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  • Skelemani mishandled Kgosi Mosadi Pan African Parliament furoreMarch 22, 2023
    Adam Phetlhe The ravaging inferno sparked by the purported resignation of Kgosi Mosadi Seboko from the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is fuelled by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Phandu Skelemani mishandling the matter. Had he performed due diligence on […]
  • Ithuba to roll-out LottoMarch 22, 2023
    STAFF WRITERS editors@thepatriot.co.bw Ithuba Solutions Botswana is waiting with bated breath for an announcement on the issuance of a lottery license, by the Gambling Authority, following the successful conclusion of negotiations in December 2022, The Patriot on Sunday has […]
  • BDP rejects Living WageMarch 22, 2023
    BAKANG TIRO editors@thepatriot.co.bw Ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) MPs on Friday defeated the motion proposed by MP for Nkange constituency Dr Never Tshabang, proposing for government to introduce a living wage, which will be adjusted according to the cost […]
  • Uganda passes a law making it a crime to identify as LGBTQMarch 22, 2023
    Report by Elias Biryabarema Reuters Uganda’s parliament passed a law on Tuesday making it a crime to identify as LGBTQ, handing authorities broad powers to target gay Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence. More than 30 […]
  • Ian Khama to receive African Icon Award  March 22, 2023
    KT Press Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will headline other African greats who are set to be honoured at the maiden edition of The African Heritage Concert and Awards slated to hold in Kigali, Rwanda on April […]
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