Mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic as revealed by helpline calls.

ABSTRACT: Mental health is an important component of public health, especially in times of crisis. However, monitoring public mental health is difficult because data are often patchy and low-frequency^1-3. Here we complement established approaches by using data from helplines, which offer a real-time measure of 'revealed' distress and mental health concerns across a range of topics^4-9. We collected data on 8 million calls from 19 countries, focusing on the COVID-19 crisis. Call volumes peaked six weeks after the initial outbreak, at 35% above pre-pandemic levels. The increase was driven mainly by fear (including fear of infection), loneliness and, later in the pandemic, concerns about physical health. Relationship issues, economic problems, violence and suicidal ideation, howeve

SUBMITTER: Brulhart M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9973557 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature