Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Valentin Bolotnyy

Chapter 6 in Flattening the Curve:COVID-19 & Grand Challenges for Global Health, Innovation, and Economy, 2023, pp 167-184 from World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.

Abstract: This chapter provides an overview of the research produced so far on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. A preponderance of largely observational evidence suggests that the disease hurts mental health both directly and indirectly. Direct effects include damage to the brain and nervous system, as well as psychological trauma from near-death experiences. Indirect effects operate through the fear and guilt of infecting loved ones, the loss of loved ones and major life experiences, social isolation and loneliness, school closures, job loss, and burnout from increased caretaking responsibilities. Particularly acute effects on specific groups of people, from children and adolescents to healthcare workers, are highlighted. The chapter concludes with lessons and silver linings that can help us reduce the negative effects future pandemics have on mental health.

Keywords: COVID-19; Pandemic; Health Economics; Innovation; Economic Development; Sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I15 I18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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