Lock-down, social distancing and mental health during the covid-19 pandemic: perspectives, challenges, and opportunities in African settings: A Case of Democratic Republic of Congo (Preprint)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the resolution of a total lockdown both developed and developing countries. The lock-down has worsened the prevailing economic crisis, affected the health and political system, exacerbated unemployment levels and cost of managing health conditions in African settings and especially the Democratic Republic of Congo; which tends to have detrimental effects on the mental health of the affected population. Also, it is extremely expensive to access professional health care services. We ought to provide insight into policy-relevant approaches including integrative community based organization, digital heath, systematic screening of mental health problems in primary health care, given that failure to treat those who are emotionally affected will result in long-term social and economic outcomes and costs to society. The primary health workers should be trained on mental health care delivered through the internet and digital support. Helping affected community by COVID-19 to feel mentally better will require the integration of online telehealth among primary health care for the online mental health screening and psychotherapy centred on a supportive therapy strategy, anger/stress management, and the establishing of integrative community based organisation. Any partners during the COVID-19 should plan for the workshop on online mental health services and training to allow its integration and the reportage from patient’s home to the health centres and hospitals.