The unprecedented stress caused by isolation, along with pervasive uncertainty and fear, triggered a global mental health emergency. In 2020, according to WHO, there was a 25-percent global increase in cases of anxiety and depression. However, quality mental health care has not been available to everyone who needs it. WHO estimates that in developing countries, more than 75 percent of people who live with mental, neurological, and substance use disorders don’t get treated for their condition. The services just aren’t available to them. They either can’t afford it or don’t know where to get treatment. Additionally, the patients themselves generally face stigma and discrimination, making them hesitant to tell anyone about their mental struggles. A Global Concern Before the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc globally, mental health was already one of the least prioritized areas of public health even in developed countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) shares some sobering statistics: • • • Almost 1 billion people live with a mental disorder around the world. 3 million people die annually because of unhealthy alcohol use. 1 person dies by suicide every 40 seconds. Supporting this, Dr. Nemuel S. Fajutagana, chairperson of Medical Action Group (MAG), cites the findings of a report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). He says, “Globally, mental health does not enjoy parity with physical health in terms of budgeting or medical education and practice.” Fajutagana explains, “This is a huge problem. But the financial and budgetary support it is being given is not enough.” Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated the already precarious situation of mental health around the world. To combat the spread of the virus, governments around the world, including in the Philippines, placed their citizens on lockdown. 13 Because of all these circumstances, according to Fajutagana, only three in 10 people with mental health disorders will voluntarily seek treatment for their condition. The pandemic doesn’t make the situation easier: • • • The risk of infection has hampered face-to-face treatment. Manpower has been lost to infection or lay-offs, leaving longterm patients without caregivers. Mental health facilities have been either closed due to budget constraints or converted to isolation facilities to mitigate the overflow of COVID-19 patients from hospitals. The work-from-home revolution Many countries developed innovative systems to support mental health efforts. They set up hotline numbers where volunteer psychologists and psychiatrists could conduct consultations with patients online or over the phone. Some countries increased funding for mental health services during the pandemic. This included creating massive multimedia campaigns about self-care and mental health. Across the globe, government agencies and private companies also transitioned to hybrid work arrangements or complete work-from-home set-ups. 14