THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON MENTAL HEALTH AS PART OF GLOBAL HEALTH

Objective. To analyse the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in different countries and globally. Materials and methods. The study analysed current scientific publications and reports from international organisations, in particular the World Health Organisation, available on the Internet. Results. The pandemic’s effect on mental health was multifaceted, driven by a combination of social, economic, and health-related stressors. Numerous studies from around the world have documented the sharp rise in mental health issues during the pandemic. This lack of social connection disrupted daily routines and support systems, contributing to feelings of loneliness and depression. The economic fallout of the pandemic was a major contributor to anxiety and depression, particularly for vulnerable populations. The immense pressure, long hours, and emotional toll of their work led to high rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among the healthcare workers. The “infodemic” made it difficult for people to make informed decisions and increased feelings of helplessness. The profound mental health toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have long-lasting effects, extending far beyond the resolution of the physical health crisis. This has made it crucial to not only respond to immediate needs but to also fundamentally re-evaluate and “reimagine” mental healthcare delivery. Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a global stress test for mental health, exposing deep-seated vulnerabilities within societies. The widespread fear, social isolation, and economic instability created a perfect storm for a global mental health crisis. As the world moves into a post-pandemic era, it is critical for public health systems to recognize mental health as a core component of overall health and to invest in resilient, accessible, and integrated mental health services.