Stress, PTSD, and COVID-19: the Utility of Disaster Mental Health Interventions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose of review In the context of an ongoing, highly uncertain pandemic, disaster mental health measures can increase community capacity for resilience and well-being, support formal mental health treatment, and help address the risk for mental health reactions in high-stress occupations. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on disaster mental health interventions that have been helpful both prior to and during the pandemic in a broad range of applications, including for use with high-stress occupations in an effort to mitigate risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health sequelae. Recent findings Evidence-based and evidence-informed disaster mental health interventions, frameworks, and treatments have been studied in pilot studies, non-randomized trials, and randomized clinical trials prior to and in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The studies have demonstrated feasibility and acceptability of these modalities and improved perceived support, as well as significant reductions in distress, and mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Summary A disaster mental health approach to the COVID-19 pandemic can generate opportunities for prevention and support at multiple levels with timely interventions tailored for different concerns, cultures, and available resources.

Health Experiences of Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Study

“…These changes took a toll on nurses physically and mentally as demonstrated in the qualitative findings and supported by findings from the SF-12 in which there were significant declines in the mental health summary score, four mental health domains (vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, and role limitations due to mental health) and three physical health domains (role limitations due to physical problems, role limitations due to bodily pain, and general health). These findings are congruent with others that show nurses experienced physical, psychological, and moral distress during the pandemic and that the mental health burden was profound ( Gordon et al, 2021 ; Preti et al, 2020 ; Shah et al, 2021 ; Sriharan et al, 2021 ; Watson, 2022 ). Nonsignificant changes in the SF-12 physical health scores (summary score and physical function) may reflect the focus of these items on the ability to do specified activities (e.g., moving a table, stair climbing) in contrast to the focus on role limitations from physical problems or bodily pain that comprised the other items of the physical health domains…”

“…Leaders must be sensitive to the multiple potential responses of staff and deploy targeted strategies to address each ( Bleich & Bowles, 2021 ; Grailey et al, 2021 ; Stimpfel et al, 2022 ). Several actions by nurse leaders are recommended: (1) being visible on patient care areas and interacting with staff to check in about their physical and mental well-being; (2) transparent, bidirectional, and open-ended communication with staff; (3) active listening; (4) provision of education and training not only about safety measures but also the disease (COVID-19); and (5) proactive, real-time mental health support and psychological interventions ( Bleich & Bowles, 2021 ; Catton & Iro, 2021 ; Grailey et al, 2021 ; Halms et al, 2021 ; Joo & Liu, 2021 ; Ness et al, 2021 ; Ralph et al, 2021 ; Schwartz et al, 2020 ; Shuman & Costa, 2020 ; Sriharan et al, 2021 ; Stimpfel et al, 2022 ; Watson, 2022 ).…”

Mental Health Needs Associated with COVID-19 on the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship: A Case Series Recorded by the Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Team

“…The COVID-19 pandemic differs from other disasters in terms of the type, duration, and extent of the threat that it poses [31]. Our results suggest that disaster-related mental health teams, such as the DPAT, as well as basic mental support programs such as PFA, are essential to support the mental health of those in quarantine [32]. Face-to-face communication is also important to reduce the frequency of mental health events [3,12,22].…”

Does COVID-19 Vaccination Cause Storage Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms?

“…SARS-CoV-2 has inflicted a considerable burden on global health systems, the economy, society, and mental health [ 9 ]. By the end of February 2022, 60% of the world population and 80% of the Taiwanese population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine [ 10 , 11 ].…”