Lebanon’s health experts warn of national ‘mental health pandemic’ – The National

Lebanon’s health experts warn of national ‘mental health pandemic’ – The National

The country's worst-ever financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic have increased depression and anxiety. Compounded by the coronavirus pandemic, Lebanon's nine-month long economic crisis has taken a heavy toll on the mental health of the Lebanese, say experts, who warned of an upcoming "mental health pandemic.". Therapy is expensive and not paid for either by insurance companies or by social security," she told The National.. Unable to pay for a private psychologist, she has received free mental health support from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) since last summer.. The World Health Organisation said last month that mental health will become a significant post-pandemic issue.. Some psychologists have adjusted their prices in the national currency closer to the black market rate, which currently hovers around 5000 Lebanese Pounds to the dollar.. "The coronavirus feels pretty distant to people now in Lebanon," Ms Zeinoun told The National.. The additional stress in households that are already under pressure can also lead to an increase in domestic violence.. "The majority were committed by people with mental disorders in the context of domestic violence and not for economic reasons" a source from the Internal Security Forces said.. The source attributed the surge in murders to confinement