RESUMEN
November 2019 marked the eruption of a novel virus in the city of Wuhan (China) which was named as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Due to rapid airborne transmission, the virus has now spread across 213 countries, infecting millions of people with a mortality rate of 3.15% worldwide. Initially the major topic of concern was the mortality risk and the clinical outcomes of the disease, however the pandemic has now resulted into global mental health crisis, largely because the only solution currently available against the novel coronavirus is the social distancing and isolation of suspect cases. As COVID-19 has led to an uncertain future, the mental health of Pakistanis is at stake. Therefore, it is essential for the government and health institutions to start mental health initiatives. Mental health services should be made more accessible to the general public while the taboos regarding mental health, and the new stigma against COVID-19 patients and their relatives, should be destigmatized. The government should invest in expanding free health care centers and providing ration bags to relieve the financial burden on the public. On the other hand, healthcare professionals and students should be provided with screening and mental health counselling by their respective institutions as well as security and adequate PPE. Lastly, it is also essential to ensure that the media and news provide authentic information to avoid situations of panic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)