Immediate shock and residual stress: Unmasking the dual dynamics of covid-19 on the mental health of health professionals in China.

Abstract

Background: The pandemic of 2019 has created large scale disruption around the globe. It has posed extraordinary hurdles for Chinese health workers, affecting their mental health with respect to situations in the present as well as the future. Recognising the dynamic features of these mental health issues among health professionals is critical for developing effective support systems.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the dual impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of health professionals in China, both during and after the pandemic; to explore the probable underlying factors causing these mental health issues; to identify both adaptive and maladaptive coping behaviours employed by the health personnel; and to assess the organisational and social support to mitigate the effect of the pandemic on the mental health of the Chinese health professionals.

Method: To address these objectives an explorative qualitative research design has been adopted involving analysis of previous researches in the relevant field.

Results: The study confirms anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, PTSD, and burnout among medical personnel as immediate shock and residual stress, along with its demographic variations. Few maladaptive coping behaviours have been identified that can lead to delayed psychological effects even after a pandemic.

Conclusion: The key findings underscore the complicated interaction of immediate and delayed mental health challenges among health professionals, advocating for the deployment of tailored treatments and policy modifications to address the ever changing needs of this vital workforce.