At a time of huge uncertainty across all sectors, many are trying to understand the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on the workforce.
In the creative industry, there is a strong ambition to understand the impact upon public venues, freelance workers and micro businesses as these sectors are directly threatened by the pandemic.
Due to the closures and ban on public gathering, the Creative Arts Industry has become dormant. This was the result of the directive by the government to all unions and other groups to suspend their activities in the face of the outbreak of coronavirus.
Revenues of creative arts and cultural organizations reliant on tickets sales have ceased. During closure the average reported weekly revenue loss has ranged from [75% -100%].
Without revenue organizations must cutback on hiring staff and independent artists and professionals. The pandemic has badly effected both inbound and outbound tourism.
To prevent further spread of the Coronavirus, governments have virtually shut down the entire industry.
Flights, and hotel bookings have been cancelled thus negatively effecting the economy since tourism has direct impact on transportation, accommodation, food service, creative arts, trade and tourist sites just to name a few effect areas.
Today, more than ever, the importance of cultural arts and creativity for society is clear. The availability of cultural content contributes to serine mental health and well-being.
Fortunately, many creative institutions have created online and free content in recent weeks for that purpose. Sustainable business models during and after the initial crisis are imperative for the sectors survival.
If we chose to leave behind the more fragile part of the sector the result could cause irreparable economic and social damage.
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The current challenge should motivate us to design a public support that alleviates the negative impact in the short term, and identifies new opportunities in the medium term for different public, private and non-profit actors engaged in cultural and creative art industry.
The Edem Fairre foundation for Mental Disorder — Depression & Anxiety, has recognized the outburst of negative comments on almost every platform.
Truth is, most people are angry. The little things they do to dodge some painful memories can no longer be escaped due to the lockdown.
Some people have lost their jobs, Spouses as well as family member who are perhaps Breadwinners.
The oblivion of uncertainty, of ́what is next’ is enough to drive us crazy. In a person with anxious thoughts such as ‘all hell is about to break loose and nothing positive will happen,’
voicing out can drive people away or get you tagged as being “dramatic.”
As an organization built on the backbones of doctors and nurses who give counseling for the mental well-being of others, our team assures you that all hope is not lost.
Any emergency case will be attended to so do not hesitate to contact us.
And if you know anyone showing consistent mood swings that could possibly lead to suicide, do get help as soon as possible to avoid serious mental injuries.
Do not keep this information to yourself; educate others in languages they will understand.
Stay calm, there’s nothing too big under the sun.
There’s always a solution to your problems; you just need to talk to the right person in a confidential environment whiles obeying the social distancing protocols.
NB : this is just an advice: To help boost your immune system as well as promote mental wellness:
You can optimize your access to vitamin D from the Sun or intake of vitamin D3 but most importantly, try to have a good sleep for at least 8 hours.
Watch enough comedy to relax your brain or read comic books.
I am also thrilled to see a lot of our influencers coming out to help with talks on stigmatization on mental disorders—especially, depression and anxiety.
This is an assurance that you are not alone and it is alright to ask for help. After all, we are all human.
Edem Farrie is the founder of the Edem Fairre foundation, a TV presenter as well as ambassador for the United Nations Youth Ghana on Sustainable Development Goal 2.