THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON MENTAL HEALTH

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population

The COVID-19 pandemic can increase the prevalence of mental health problems among the general population because of direct and indirect impact of the covid on human brain. Chronic psychological distress increases the risk of developing physical and mental health conditions such as high blood pressure, digestive problems, autoimmune diseases, sleep disturbances, psychological disorders, and memory and concentration deficits.

Public health emergencies may affect the health, safety, and well-being of both individuals (causing, for example, insecurity, confusion, emotional isolation, and stigma) and communities (owing to economic loss, work and school closures, inadequate resources for medical response, and deficient distribution of necessities). These effects may translate into a range of emotional reactions (such as distress or psychiatric conditions), unhealthy behaviors (such as excessive substance use), and noncompliance with public health directives (such as home confinement and vaccination) in people who contract the disease and in the general population. Extensive research in disaster mental health has established that emotional distress is ubiquitous in affected populations.

Those with existing poor mental health are facing a number of risks including increased rates of mental ill health and disruption to treatment, medications and the lifeline of support services. Studies are showing COVID-19 is likely to trigger relapse among people with pre-existing mental health illness

After disasters, most people are resilient and do not succumb to psychopathology. Indeed, some people find new strengths. Nevertheless, in “conventional” natural disasters, technological accidents, and intentional acts of mass destruction, a primary concern is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arising from exposure to trauma. Medical conditions from natural causes such as life-threatening viral infection do not meet the current criteria for trauma required for a diagnosis of PTSD, but other psychopathology, such as depressive and anxiety disorders, may ensue.

Education and training regarding psychosocial issues should be provided to health system leaders, first responders, and health care professionals. The mental health and emergency management communities should work together to identify, develop, and disseminate evidence-based resources related to disaster mental health, mental health triage and referral, needs of special populations, and death notification and bereavement care. Risk-communication efforts should anticipate the complexities of emerging issues such as prevention directives, vaccine availability and acceptability, and needed evidence-based interventions relevant to pandemics and should address a range of psychosocial concerns.

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