Progression of Mental Health Services during the COVID-19 Outbreak in China

Progression of Mental Health Services during the COVID-19 Outbreak in China

2020.03.15 | Wen Li, Yuan Yang, Zi-Han Liu, Yan-Jie Zhao, Qinge Zhang, Ling Zhang, Teris Cheung, Yu-Tao Xiang
The COVID-19 outbreak in China has significantly impacted mental health services, leading to increased psychological stress among patients, healthcare workers, and the general public. The rapid spread of the virus has caused widespread anxiety, fear, depression, and insomnia. In response, the Chinese National Health Commission initiated emergency psychological crisis interventions, with mental health associations and organizations developing guidelines, educational materials, and online services. Experts were stationed in designated hospitals to provide on-site care, and mental health professionals provided psychological support through various platforms. The outbreak also affected patients with severe mental illnesses, with many facing challenges in receiving treatment due to strict quarantine measures. Mental health institutions implemented protocols to prevent nosocomial infections and ensure the care of patients with severe mental disorders. Online mental health services, including hotlines and mobile applications, were widely adopted to provide support to those affected by the pandemic. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including uneven distribution of resources, limited access for older adults, and the potential for long-term psychological effects on healthcare workers and patients. The outbreak has placed a significant burden on existing mental health services, highlighting the need for improved coordination and accessibility of mental health care during public health emergencies. The Chinese government and mental health organizations have taken steps to address these issues, including the development of guidelines and the establishment of expert consensus on psychological crisis intervention.The COVID-19 outbreak in China has significantly impacted mental health services, leading to increased psychological stress among patients, healthcare workers, and the general public. The rapid spread of the virus has caused widespread anxiety, fear, depression, and insomnia. In response, the Chinese National Health Commission initiated emergency psychological crisis interventions, with mental health associations and organizations developing guidelines, educational materials, and online services. Experts were stationed in designated hospitals to provide on-site care, and mental health professionals provided psychological support through various platforms. The outbreak also affected patients with severe mental illnesses, with many facing challenges in receiving treatment due to strict quarantine measures. Mental health institutions implemented protocols to prevent nosocomial infections and ensure the care of patients with severe mental disorders. Online mental health services, including hotlines and mobile applications, were widely adopted to provide support to those affected by the pandemic. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including uneven distribution of resources, limited access for older adults, and the potential for long-term psychological effects on healthcare workers and patients. The outbreak has placed a significant burden on existing mental health services, highlighting the need for improved coordination and accessibility of mental health care during public health emergencies. The Chinese government and mental health organizations have taken steps to address these issues, including the development of guidelines and the establishment of expert consensus on psychological crisis intervention.
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[slides and audio] Progression of Mental Health Services during the COVID-19 Outbreak in China