COVID-19 and its consequences on mental health (Review)

As one year is approaching since the beginning of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is important to acknowledge the detrimental effect that it is having on mental health at the individual, societal and public health levels. The current review presents the direct and indirect psychological impact of COVID-19 on the general public, as well as on vulnerable groups, including the elderly, the young, healthcare professionals, people with pre-existing mental health issues, those infected by COVID-19, homeless people and refugees. Important findings are discussed in the present review, including the social stigma in older people associated with portraying COVID-19 as the disease of the elderly, and the limited psychological impact of COVID-19 in the severely mentally ill, alongside the response of the mental healthcare systems globally to this unparalleled public health crisis. The important lessons to be learnt so far can help formulate individual mental health recommendations, as well as improved intervention and prevention public health strategies.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health at individual, societal, and public health levels. This review highlights the psychological effects on different groups, such as older adults, healthcare professionals, and those with pre-existing mental health issues, and discusses the global response of mental healthcare systems to this unprecedented crisis. Lessons learned from this experience can inform recommendations for individual mental health and improve intervention and prevention strategies in public health.