Emerging issues in psychological distress/anxiety as a consequence of measures put in place to control the spread of COVID-19

working group of the National COVID-19 Health and Research Advisory Committee (NCHRAC), Fran Baum, Lorna Hallahan

Research output: Book/ReportCommissioned report

Abstract

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) asked the National COVID-19 Health and Research Advisory Committee (NCHRAC) to provide rapid advice on the emerging issues in psychological distress/anxiety as a consequence of measures put in place to control the spread of COVID-19.
There is evidence from previous pandemics/disasters and broader research that there are risks of increasing mental ill health and suicide during the crisis and recovery phase. Almost all people affected by emergencies and their associated social and economic responses will experience some level of psychological distress.1 While for many this will be mild and transient, for others, this will manifest in acute short-term mental distress. For some, the
experience may result in a long-term decline in mental health and wellbeing and increase risk of suicidal behaviours. Rose notes that widespread minor illness can have a bigger impact on population health than high rates of disease in a small number, thus widespread distress can result in a high burden.2
Original languageEnglish
PublisherNational Health and Medical Research Council, Commonwealth of Australia
Commissioning bodyNational COVID-19 Health and Research Advisory Committee
Number of pages22
Publication statusPublished - 23 Dec 2020

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Mental health
  • Public health orders
  • Anxiety
  • Distress
  • Wellbeing

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