The effects of pandemics on mental health

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to present the existing scientific knowledge about the effects of a pandemic on psychological needs and mental health. A search of bibliographic databases (WoS, Scopus, Medline) found numerous studies published in various publications by entering the keywords: COVID-19 OR pandemic AND psychological needs AND mental health AND hardiness. The results of the research indicated that the fear of infecting oneself and loved ones, the consequences of social distancing and the economic consequences of a pandemic could have a significant effect on mental health. The following groups have been identified as particularly vulnerable to pandemic stressors: (a) people who have been in direct or indirect contact with the virus; (b) people with previous psychiatric problems; (c) health professionals and (d) people who constantly follow pandemic news. The consequences of a pandemic threaten basic psychological needs such as physiological needs, the need for safety, and the need for love and intimacy. The most common mental health problems that have been identified since the onset of the pandemic are anxiety, depression, symptoms of post-traumatic stress and substance abuse. In conclusion, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of risk factors that can endanger mental health have been identified, as well as protective factors, such as psychological resilience.