Let’s Talk: Reflections on Mental Health during the Pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic has created a new reality. Along with changing most people’s routines, studies show it has inflicted anxiety and fear all around the world. And this is not unique just for this pandemic; the same happened in 2003 with the SARS epidemic, it had long-term effects on people’s mental health in those countries that were affected.    

In the current pandemic, studies show that the inevitable economic downturn will negatively impact youth mental health for an indefinite period. One reason for this is the interruption of a proper education, educational institutions were closed for months, leaving 1.5 billion children around the world without school. Even those expected to graduate from university and enter the labor market will most likely suffer from the lack of opportunities to find jobs, advance in their careers, and earn more income. 

These problems only aggravate mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, that adolescents are more sensitive to because of the neurobiological changes they experience at this stage of development, especially in crisis situations.

And the problems are even more evident in countries like Kosovo, where mental health services are limited, making it more difficult to help people in unprecedented circumstances such as the pandemic. 

In this strange situation, specifically for the new generation, who will be the new future leaders, what plans do the leaders of our institutions now have to deal with such a large and complex global problem? Is there any strategy to support the mental health of people in need, specifically for youth as a more vulnerable group, and consequently prevent a deep economic and social crisis with irrevocable consequences? How do relevant civil society actors working with mental health issues in Kosovo see this situation, and what do they recommend? 

To open this discussion, we have invited the executive director of the psychosocial initiative Social Lab, Eurisa Rukovci; the founder of the suicide prevention lifeline Linja e Jetës, Bind Skeja; and a representative of the Ministry of Health. The discussion will be moderated by K2.0 journalist Ngadhnjim Avdyli. 

We invite you to join the conversation with questions and comments on Thursday, October 8, beginning from 17:30 LIVE on the Kosovo 2.0 Facebook page. 

During the discussion, translation in English and Serbian will be provided. If you need translation, please send us your phone number in a private message. We will add you to a Viber group, and the translation will be provided through the app.K

Feature image: Arrita Katona / K2.0.