The editorial discusses the mental health burden and strategies related to the "pandemic fear" associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights that while the focus during pandemics is often on biological risks, the psychological and psychiatric implications are often overlooked, leading to gaps in coping strategies and increased mental health burden. The pandemic has caused significant fear and stress, which can lead to various psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. The editorial emphasizes the need for comprehensive mental health strategies, including multidisciplinary teams, clear communication, and safe psychological counseling services. It also stresses the importance of public mental health policies in conjunction with epidemic and pandemic response strategies. The editorial calls for increased investment in research and strategic actions for mental health during infectious outbreaks. It references studies showing that mental health impacts can be significant, even in cases with relatively low mortality rates. The editorial also highlights the vulnerability of specific groups, such as the elderly, immunocompromised, and family members of infected patients, and the need for targeted mental health support. The editorial concludes by emphasizing the importance of psychological first aid and the need for effective mental health care strategies to address the psychological impact of the pandemic.The editorial discusses the mental health burden and strategies related to the "pandemic fear" associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights that while the focus during pandemics is often on biological risks, the psychological and psychiatric implications are often overlooked, leading to gaps in coping strategies and increased mental health burden. The pandemic has caused significant fear and stress, which can lead to various psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. The editorial emphasizes the need for comprehensive mental health strategies, including multidisciplinary teams, clear communication, and safe psychological counseling services. It also stresses the importance of public mental health policies in conjunction with epidemic and pandemic response strategies. The editorial calls for increased investment in research and strategic actions for mental health during infectious outbreaks. It references studies showing that mental health impacts can be significant, even in cases with relatively low mortality rates. The editorial also highlights the vulnerability of specific groups, such as the elderly, immunocompromised, and family members of infected patients, and the need for targeted mental health support. The editorial concludes by emphasizing the importance of psychological first aid and the need for effective mental health care strategies to address the psychological impact of the pandemic.