Mental Health in times of COVID-19: Policy Brief

Abstract

Abstract Issue The COVID-19 pandemic caused profound disruptive changes worldwide. Mental health (MH) and wellbeing (WB) have been particularly affected, namely with increased levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout symptoms. Several factors can have contributed to individuals' vulnerability, including perceived uncertainty, the strict measures adopted, the socioeconomic hardship and the direct effects of the virus. Although the pandemic is primarily a public health and a socioeconomic crisis, it could turn into a serious MH crisis with all the associated implications. Description As a Health Observatory, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, in collaboration with Institute of Environmental Health of Lisbon School of Medicine, and Portuguese Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health, coordinated an observational study to characterize the MH and WB of general population and health professionals residing in Portugal, during pandemic's first wave. Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, burnout and resilience were selected as main outcomes, measured using validated instruments with sound psychometric properties. Results High levels of psychological distress were observed among general population and health professionals. Women, younger, individuals with lower income or unemployed, lower educational level and frontline health professionals were most susceptible to psychological suffering. The research team produced a Policy Brief with a set of 14 recommendations for immediate action to ensure equal access to psychological and emotional support for all citizens, to reduce the impact of mental disorders and to promote MH. Lessons The mitigation of psychological suffering is of paramount importance, from an equitable perspective focus on identified vulnerable sub-groups. Particular attention should also be given to citizens infected with SARS-CoV-2 and patients with COVID-19, who faced direct consequences of the disease. Key messages In a pandemic context, monitorization of population’s mental health is of paramount importance. Health Observatories should have an active and reinforced role in this public health area to mitigate potential negative impacts of pandemics.