Well-being and mental health of healthcare workers before, during, and after COVID-19

Abstract

The World Health Organization states that people’s mental health is as essential and important to our well-being as is our physical health (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). This is because, when we feel mentally well, we can not only be productive and contribute to our communities, but we can also enjoy our free time (WHO, 2021), and arguably enjoy our lives. The recognition of this intricated relationship has led to multiple studies focused on identifying those factors impacting people’s well-being and mental health. For example, alcohol consumption and obesity have been associated with poor mental health and quality of life (Rehm et al., 2009; Stranges, Savaraweera, Taggart, Kandala, & Stewart-Brown, 2014), while physical activity, adequate sleep, and consumption of fruits and vegetables have been associated with better health and well-being (Stranges et al., 2014; Franco et al., 2012). As well as having good social support and socioeconomic stability (Soldevila Domenech et al., 2021; Stewart-Brown, Samaraweera, Taggart, Kandala, & Stranges, 2015).