MENTAL HEALTH AND COVID-19

The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has negatively affected the physical and mental health of many people worldwide,
with long-term implications for public health. After the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARSCoV-2) pandemic in 2003, there were documented increased levels of stress which persisted for up to two years¹. This
pandemic has created an additional stressor for persons already suffering from pre-existing mental disorders. Use of
adaptive coping skills will be important for the preservation of good mental health during this time. Covid-19 risks
affect people in a number of ways. In this article, we will discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the population, specific
groups at risk of psychological distress, and the influence of resilience during this time, and useful coping skills anyone
can implement.