A Proposed Framework Based On Literature Review of Online Contextual Mental Health Services to Enhance Wellbeing and Address Psychopathology During COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) became a pandemic and is causing unprecedented biopsychosocial, spiritual and economic issues across the world while mostly affecting unprivileged populations. Turkey has gradually implemented new regulations, which slowly affected the entire country and increased the need for mental health services disproportionally. We conducted a comprehensive literature review on mental health in Turkey during COVID-19. There was no well-grounded peer-reviewed manuscripts or projects utilized a framework. Therefore, we wrote this manuscript to provide a conceptual framework grounded in ecological systems theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, and community-based participatory action research to introduce contextually evidence-based online mental health services: hotline, psychiatric interview, counseling, and Read-Reflect-Share group bibliotherapy. The framework aims to (1) address biopsychosocial spiritual and economic issues, (2) enhance wellbeing, and (3) empower the mental health profession in research and practice. Our preliminary findings and clinical experience indicated that the proposed framework and interventions derived from the framework enhanced wellbeing and decreased psychopathological symptoms in experimental group compared to control groups. Based on the preliminary analysis, most of the online, phone based, or face-to-face mental health services introduced in this manuscript were highly recommended by the participants to be provided to general public during and after COVID-19. Mental health professionals and authorities can use the proposed framework and interventions to develop interventions and research in order to alleviate pandemic-based biopsychosocial spiritual and economic issues and enhance wellbeing.

The Effect of COVID-19 Anxiety on General Health: the Role of COVID-19 Coping

“…problem focused-coping, avoidance, seeking social support, and positive appraisal of the situation) to deal with negative psychological outcomes resulted from outbreaks such as fear, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, anger, grief and loss, guilt, and stigmatization. Furthermore, Tanhan ( 2020 ) suggests that utilizing an online photovoice approach can be an effective way to deal with biopsychosocial spiritual and economic issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. He argued that such a method can contribute to empowering people and communities to improve their well-being and address biopsychosocial, spiritual, and economic issues via advocacy and collaboration with people, communities, and key individuals and institutions.…”

“…People who are under the high risk of infection, stress, and burnout can develop common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and fear (Bao et al 2020 ; Tanhan 2020 ). For example, studies related to COVID-19 conducted in Turkey reported high levels of anxiety, stress, depression and burnout (Yildirim et al 2020 ; Tanhan et al 2020 ; Yıldırım and Solmaz 2020 ), and death distress (Yıldırım and Güler 2020 ). There have also been various studies that have investigated the prevalence of psychological distress among different populations during the pandemic.…”

“…Recent research has documented various contributing factors to psychosocial and physical health such as demographic, psychological, and behavioural factors during outbreaks (Tanhan et al, 2020 ; Yıldırım and Arslan 2020 ). These factors include optimism-pessimism, psychological flexibility, hope, resilience, fear, vulnerability, perceived risk, and preventive behaviours (Arslan et al 2020 ; Yıldırım and Arslan 2020 ; Yıldırım et al 2020 ).…”

Increase in Video Consultations During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions about Their Implementation and Adequate Management

“…In addition, there is evidence that COVID-19 may exacerbate certain cardiovascular symptoms and lead to cardiovascular complications [ 13 ]. Finally, some mental disorders have even been aggravated during this pandemic [ 14 ]. In this sense, nurses are central to COVID-19 prevention and the care of infected patients.…”

Meaningful Living to Promote Complete Mental Health Among University Students in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The COVID-19 outbreak initially started in December 2019 in China and spread rapidly to other countries by affecting almost all aspects of human life such as health, social, education, and economy (Tanhan 2020 ; Tanhan et al 2020 ). According to daily statistics published by the Johns Hopkins University, as of 2 October 2020, there have been more than 34 million people confirmed with COVID-19 globally and more than 1 million deaths touching 188 countries and territories (Center for Systems Science and Engineering 2020 ).…”