In the past 18 months, since the detection of the first COVID-19 case in Papua New Guinea, we were able to clearly see the inequality around us. More than 75% of our population in the country have had or are experiencing mental health conditions with no treatment at all.

Throughout the pandemic we have seen several issues in terms of economic, financial, social, religious and health having negative consequences on people lives and their mental health. People who are suffering from pre-existing mental health conditions are also greatly affected as they face more discrimination and negligence at this point in time. Young people and children are also trying to cope with the disruptions to their normal routines and lifestyles in terms of their education, physical and social life.

Many people are facing financial hardships due to the loss of their jobs and livelihoods. Some struggled with their own physical health while also worrying about the health of their loved ones. Others battled effects of the disease through the loss of a loved one, while a few had to deal with isolation from family and friends all alone in a foreign country. We also cannot deny the increase in crime rates especially wife bashing, rape cases, cuttings and killings, tribal fights and robberies which causing public fear among the population. There have also been a lot of controversies about religious beliefs and the COVID-19 vaccines which has created confusion and panic among the illiterate population of the country.

During these period of the pandemic, Catholic Church Health Services has seen an influx of patients in the outpatients and inpatients in most of its health facilities. As first responders, our health workers face many stressors. When hospitals or major health center’s close or reduce their services, our health workers had to accommodate the increase in number of patients and at the same time deal with the constant shortage of Personal Protective Equipment’s. The widespread of misinformation about COVID-19 and people not adhering to the Protective Health Measures has also contributed to the fear and anxiety experienced by our health workers. All these leads to staff being overworked, which results in burnout and can also lead to depression.

Here are some of the things you need to know about depression:

• Depression can happen to ANYONE and is not a sign of weakness.
• They are characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by difficulty carrying out daily activities.
• People with depression also normally experience several of the following: loss of energy; change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness; thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
• But don’t worry. Depression can be treated – with talking therapies, medication, or both.

What you can do if you are feeling depressed:

• Talk to someone you trust about your feelings – most people find that talking to someone who cares about them helps.
• Seek professional help – your local health-care worker or doctor is a good place to start.
• Try to keep doing at least some of the activities that you usually enjoy.
• Stay connected with friends and family.
• Exercise regularly – even if it’s just a short walk.
• Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits as much as possible.
• Avoid or restrict alcohol intake and don’t use illicit drugs – they can make depression worse.
• If you feel suicidal, contact someone you trust for help, or ring the emergency services (1-Tok Kaunseling Line on tollfree 71508000.
• Remember: With the right support you can get better – so if you think you might be depressed, seek help.

Remember: With the right support you can get better – so if you think you might be depressed, seek help.

If know you know someone who is showing signs of depression here’s how you can help them while taking care of yourself.

• Make it clear that you want to help, listen without judgement, and offer support.
• Find out more about depression – talking to someone you know who has recovered or a local health worker are good places to start.
• Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to go with them to appointments.
• If they’re prescribed medication, help them remember to take it.
• Be patient – recovery can take time.
• Help them with everyday tasks and to have regular eating and sleeping patterns.
• Encourage regular exercise and social activities.
• But be mindful that trying to do too much can be stressful and make depression worse.
• Encourage them to focus on the positive, rather than the negative.
• If they’re thinking about self-harm, or have already intentionally harmed themselves, don’t leave them alone. Seek help from the emergency services or a health-care professional. And remove items such as medicines, sharp objects, and firearms.
• Take care of yourself too. Try to find ways to relax and continue doing things you enjoy.

Remember: When you live with someone with depression, you can help them recover, but its important to look after yourself.