Impact of COVID-19 on mental health according to prior depression status: A mental health survey of community prospective cohort data

Abstract

Objective We aimed to investigate the mental health impact of COVID-19 on a demographically well-characterized population cohort by gender and previous depression status. Methods Among people who participated in a community cohort study between 2013 and 2018 with previous depression measurement, a total of 1928 people without quarantine experience (680 men and 1249 women) were included after responding to an online survey in March 2020. In the 2020 survey, people were queried about daily needs supply, social support, risk perception, change during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as mental health indices measuring loneliness, anxiety symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Separate analyses by gender were conducted to assess the association between COVID-19-related experiences and each mental health index, using multivariable logistic regressions with additional adjustment and stratification with pre-existing depression status. Results We could not observe significant gender differences for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and loneliness at 55 days after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Most external support, including daily needs supply and social support, protected men and women from experiencing severe anxiety (for life supply, OR = 0.92 (95%CI 0.88–0.97) (men) and OR = 0.95 (95% CI 0.91–0.99) (women); for social support, OR = 0.92(both for men and women, p < 0.01)). The results were similar for depression and PTSD. External support showed a larger reduction in the likelihoods for anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic among people with pre-existing depression compared to previously healthy people, and it was more prominent in men. Conclusion COVID-19 significantly affected the mental health of both men and women in the early period of the pandemic. Having enough supply of daily needs and social support seems important, especially for people with previous depression.

COVID-19, Economic Impact, Mental Health, and Coping Behaviors: A Conceptual Framework and Future Research Directions

“…During the pandemic, those with low collective self-esteem, low responsibility, and low openness to experience have higher levels of economic anxiety, as do those with high levels of neuroticism, perceived vulnerability to illness, and attribution from large group activities ( Mann et al, 2020 ). People with mental and physical health conditions may have higher levels of depression and anxiety because they are more likely to be unemployed and are prone to have higher levels of depression and anxiety ( Hao et al, 2020 ; Kwong et al, 2020 ; Jung et al, 2021 ). Extreme loneliness is the main cause of psychological distress ( Mikocka-Walus et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Social protection measures include daily demand provision and social support ( Jung et al, 2021 ) and cash transfer programs ( Bauer et al, 2021 ). Future research should examine how to effectively use social protection measures (or relief plans) to solve the short-term and long-term effects of economic uncertainty caused by large-scale epidemics or economic crises on mental health.…”

SARS-CoV-2 Positive and Isolated at Home: Stress and Coping Depending on Psychological Burden

“…Furthermore, they feel significantly less supported by their social environment. However, social support acts as a protective factor against psychological burden from the pandemic in non-infected individuals with preexisting depression, according to a prospective cohort study ( n = 1,928) ( 48 ). This patient group benefits particularly from external support in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic ( 48 ).…”

“…However, social support acts as a protective factor against psychological burden from the pandemic in non-infected individuals with preexisting depression, according to a prospective cohort study ( n = 1,928) ( 48 ). This patient group benefits particularly from external support in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic ( 48 ). In contrast, our study identified that psychologically burdened infected respondents failed to use sufficient adaptive coping strategies, such as maintaining social contacts, adhering to a daily structure, and getting adequate sleep.…”

Table_1.DOCX

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has affected both the physical and mental health of frontline health workers (HCWs). Mental health problems have been reported among these HCWs irrespective of any history of psychologic illness in the past (1)(2)(3). One metaanalysis conducted in Asian countries during the COVID-19 crisis showed that more than 20% of people developed anxiety and depression (4).…”