Mental Health and Psychosocial Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Call to Action

This new volume, written by seasoned humanitarian worker Joseph O. Prewitt Diaz, presents a comprehensive and holistic scenario of the challenges faced in providing mental health and psychosocial support to vulnerable populations worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The book is based on an extensive research of over 350 interviews with mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) professionals on the ground in countries around the world, discussing the lack of services and providing strategies for implementing mental health and psychosocial support in such situations going forward.

A Critical Analysis of MHPSS During the Pandemic

This book offers a first-hand look at the MHPSS response during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the hope of inspiring and generating action for future worldwide mental health and psychosocial support responses.

As a call to action, the book emphasizes the importance of cultural, linguistic, and contextual actions that address the inclusiveness of the most vulnerable and unheard communities, and re-establish resilience through mental health and psychosocial community-led programs.

With over 30 years of direct experience working with vulnerable communities, the author, along with contributions from several colleagues, helps frame COVID-19 as a systemic loss of protective factors, where communities collapsed psychologically, socially, and economically.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

This essential book provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities in providing mental health and psychosocial support during the pandemic. It offers valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, humanitarian workers, and mental health professionals working with vulnerable populations.

By highlighting the importance of community-led programs, cultural sensitivity, and contextual actions, the book provides a roadmap for building resilience and promoting mental health and well-being in the face of adversity.

Published by Apple Academic Press, this book is a must-read for anyone working in mental health, psychosocial support, humanitarian response, and global health.

Publication Details:
Publisher: Apple Academic Press
Publication Date: June 2, 2023
Language: English
ISBN: 9781032633435, 9781000799910