Abstract
Introduction: Mental health is an issue that has emerged rapidly as one of the most significant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the fact that the pandemic is on going, there is not much research on its effects on mental health. Especially in Greece there is a complete lack of research in this field. However, the existing research worldwide, as well as the data from previous illnesses, suggest that mental health needs to be investigated as a matter of urgency due to the significant impacts that make it a top priority. Aim: To examine the key impacts on mental health results caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method: In this research, we conducted a systematic review approach to collect, analyze and synthesize data regarding the COVID‐19 outbreak’s drastic negative effects on mental health. The articles were searched, between March 2020 and February 2021, οn the electronic databases Elsevier, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Keywords were used to search the literature: (“COVID19” OR “pandemic” AND “mental health” OR “depression” OR “anxiety”).
Results: Significant data emerged from the surveys examined. It has been confirmed that people who have experienced pandemics develop mental health problems. The main factors that lead to the development of mental health problems are isolation, lack of social support, involuntary job loss, as well as the fear people feel for their safety and future.
Conclusions: The research of previous pandemics has shown both short-term and long-term effects on mental health. Depression and anxiety are expected psychological consequences if one considers the sudden nature of death from the virus, and lack of social support due to measures of social distancing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that the health authorities of each country take intervention measures at an early stage to ensure the mental well-being of all subgroups of the population.
