Who is seeking help for psychological distress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic? Characterization of risk factors in 1269 participants accessing low-threshold psychological help

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying restrictions are associated with substantial psychological distress. However, it is unclear how this increased strain translates into help-seeking behavior. Here, we aim to characterize those individuals who seek help for COVID-19 related psychological distress, and examine which factors are associated with their levels of distress in order to better characterize vulnerable groups. Methods We report data from 1269 help-seeking participants subscribing to a stepped-care program targeted at mental health problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sample characteristics were compared to population data, and linear regression analyses were used to examine which risk factors and stressors were associated with current symptom levels. Results Seeking for help for COVID-19 related psychological distress was characterized by female gender, younger age, and better education compared to the general population. The majority reported mental health problems already before the pandemic. 74.5% of this help-seeking sample also exceeded clinical thresholds for depression, anxiety, or somatization. Higher individual symptom levels were associated with higher overall levels of pandemic stress, younger age, and pre-existing mental health problems, but were buffered by functional emotion regulation strategies. Conclusions Results suggest a considerable increase in demand for mental-healthcare in the pandemic aftermath. Comparisons with the general population indicate diverging patterns in help-seeking behavior: while some individuals seek help themselves, others should be addressed directly. Individuals that are young, have pre-existing mental health problems and experience a high level of pandemic stress are particularly at-risk for considerable symptom load. Mental-healthcare providers should use these results to prepare for the significant increase in demand during the broader aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as allocate limited resources more effectively.

Burdens of Apprentices Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic and How They Deal with Them: A Qualitative Study Using Content Analysis One-Year Post-Breakout

“…Additionally, the lockdowns made it even more difficult for people to access services from mental health professionals (face-to-face) and some psychosocial services were also simply unavailable. Apart from that, studies also showed that seeking professional help during the period of was more common in women, younger people, people with higher education [ 61 ] and those with higher levels of anxiety or depression [ 62 ].…”

Anxiety among Adolescents and Young Adults during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Country Survey

“…Thus, our study filled a knowledge gap by offering a wider perspective that considered macro and micro levels factors associated with generalized anxiety disorder among AYA. The literature on the global prevalence and burden of anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic showed a greater change in anxiety levels in younger ages compared to adults, and a stronger effect of the pandemic on adolescents’ mental health [ 31 , 32 , 33 ] reinforcing the importance of this study. Differences among countries in healthcare system structure, healthcare seeking behaviors stigmatization of mental problems and others are complex factors that need to be comprehensively studied following the suggested associations observed in the present study.…”

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic related stressors on patients with anxiety disorders: A cross-sectional study

“…Patients completed a set of self-generated questions also used in a parallel survey from our group conducted in the general population [ 41 ] regarding health concerns and uncertainties, social isolation, financial worries, increased parenting, and work demands. In addition, we assessed depressive symptoms and changes in symptomatology of panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobia.…”