When the global pandemic began to impact the world in March 2020, the demand for mental health services increased noticeably. Communities around the world have faced immense challenges – unemployment, lockdowns, restricted access to places of worship and the lack of physical contact with family members, friends and colleagues. Anxiety, fear and stress are normal when we are faced with uncertainty and the unknown. The pandemic has significantly changed our daily lives, our routines, restricted our movements and our innate coping mechanisms. Those challenges trigger mental health conditions or exacerbate existing ones. Yet, unfortunately, many communities have limited access to health services and mental health support, and according to a WHO Survey, the pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of 130 countries worldwide.

Around the world, faith actors have been on the frontlines, providing pastoral care and grief counselling and caring for doctors and nurses overwhelmed by the magnitude of the virus. The upcoming KAICIID webinar will discuss the role of spirituality in health, as well as the mental health of vulnerable groups. It will also present examples of interfaith initiatives which have united communities and provided support in healing from trauma and addressing the stress of COVID-19.