Mental wellbeing in a pandemic: the role of solidarity and care

Abstract

COVID-19 deeply affects many spheres of life. Lockdown measures implemented worldwide have accentuated mental wellbeing changes in the population from the perspectives of space and social relations. These changes leave lasting imprints on individuals and communities. This article draws upon solidarity and care ethics in exploring their role in rebuilding mental wellbeing in the light of constraints arising from lockdown. The diversity of responses to physical and social isolation during the pandemic illuminates the distinctly relational nature of human beings, offering the opportunity for care and solidarity to respond to mental wellbeing challenges in an inclusive and context-sensitive way.

COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown and Wellbeing: Experiences from Aotearoa New Zealand in 2020

“…Some mentioned a sense of solidarity as improving their ability to cope under lockdown. Reinforcing feelings of solidarity in light of a loss of space and social relations may offer a framework to start grounding practical recovery steps [ 89 ]. Our findings suggest two main paths to improve mental health service provision during pandemics.…”

In it together?: Exploring solidarity with frontline workers in the United Kingdom and Ireland during COVID‐19

“…While solidarity can be displayed through action, it is also characterized by collective sentiment and sets of established norms that allow groups and individuals to reach collective goals (Lindenberg, 2015 ). Solidarity can manifest at an interpersonal level, group level and institutional level (Prainsack, 2020 ), frequently transcending cultural, social and political boundaries (Chan, 2021 ; Prainsack, 2020 ; Tomasini, 2021 ). Since the declaration of the pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) and leaders around the world have urged people to act together, and a recent ‘call to action’ has highlighted the need to conduct research on the topic of solidarity as a matter of priority (Holmes et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Overt displays of solidarity, such as the ‘clap for carers’, for example consolidated the mutual commitment of the public and frontline workers, fostering a sense of community, and boosting morale in Ireland and the United Kingdom (Tomasini, 2021 ). The emergence of solidarity can provide a sense of security that all forces are coming together to reach a common goal (Chan, 2021 ; Igwe et al, 2020 ; Mishra & Rath, 2020 ). A recent study showed that priming participants with pandemic salience initiated more prosocial attitudes and more acknowledgement of others' plights (Cappelen et al, 2021 ).…”

Redefining nursing solidarity

“…Recent research shows that among other things (1) solidarity and care are relational practices 6 ; (2) colleague solidarity influences positive, innovative behavior, self-efficacy, and nursing career success 7 ; (3) intergenerational solidarity benefits the individual’s physical, mental, and social well-being as well as a country’s economic well-being 8 ; and (4) solidarity plays a relevant role in mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. 9…”

“…5 Recent research shows that among other things (1) solidarity and care are relational practices 6 ; (2) colleague solidarity influences positive, innovative behavior, self-efficacy, and nursing career success 7 ; (3) intergenerational solidarity benefits the individual's physical, mental, and social well-being as well as a country's economic well-being 8 ; and (4) solidarity plays a relevant role in mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. 9 However, as Derpmann has pointed out, 10 there is no coherent notion of solidarity. In the area of bioethics, Prainsack and Buix have similarly concluded that "There is, on the whole, no coherent way in which the term solidarity is used in bioethics."…”