Besides generating an unprecedented socio-economic and health crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic has also had an effect on people’s emotional and mental health. A shock mental health plan was set up in May to tackle this and is now being bolstered with groups to provide support for emotional health and the grieving process.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 60% of the population are suffering from ‘pandemic fatigue’ after months of uncertainty and restrictions. With another spike in infections in the city, the municipal Shock Plan for Mental Health has been bolstered with two new measures to provide support, ease the strain on people and help with mourning processes and emotional health.
Emotional support groups are being organised from the five offices providing help with procedures relating to subsidies, promoted by Barcelona Activa and the Neighbourhood Plan and located in the districts of Nou Barris, Ciutat Vella, Sant Andreu and Sant Martí. These open sessions will be held in person and directed by specialist staff, with a psychologist to interview participants in advance.
In a similar vein, support groups for the grieving process will consist of four two-hour sessions directed by specialist staff and aimed at treating and sharing the grieving experience and the loss of a loved one. These groups will be run by the Francesca Bonnemaison, Nou Barris and Sant Antoni libraries. Registration is from 4 November, by calling 660 625 570 or sending an email to bcnsuportdol@copc.cat.
The ‘Konsulta’m’ service for young people reaches all districts
‘Konsulta’m’ is a psychological support service for teenagers and young people to detect and provide preventive support for psychological suffering and mental health problems. Over the coming weeks the service will be offering two new support points in the districts of Gràcia and L’Eixample, meaning it will be operating in all city districts.
Digital tools with ‘Cabàs emocional’
The ‘Cabàs emocional’ municipal website offers learning, resources and support activities for mental health and emotional well-being, with access to a programme of online activities organised by city entities.