Three years post-pandemic of SARS-CoV-2: Insights from a Bulgarian online survey

Beyond its medical implications, the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated widespread psychological distress, with numerous studies reporting increases in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues across diverse populations worldwide. This study examined the evolution of perceptions, emotions, and coping strategies from the initial 2020 outbreak to the post-crisis period in 2023 through two identical online surveys conducted among Bulgarian citizens: “How do I feel during the COVID-19 pandemic?” (2020) and “How do I feel after the COVID-19 pandemic?” (2023). The surveys utilized standardized questionnaires with 24 core questions in 2020 (n = 1,020) and 27 questions in 2023 (n = 661), distributed through digital platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, and e-mail. Results revealed significant improvements in mental health outcomes by 2023, including enhanced mood (p < 0.001), reduced feelings of sadness and helplessness (from 12.9% to 7.7% experiencing daily symptoms), decreased financial stress (severe stress declining from 11.4% to 5.3%), and reduced unhealthy habits. Additionally, belief in conspiracy theories regarding the virus’s origins and transmission methods decreased significantly. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and targeted mental health interventions to address the diverse psychological needs following major global crises.