COVID-19: сonsequences for mental health and the use of e-Mental health options

Abstract

The current COVID-19 pandemic is associated with fear, insecurity, and perceived social isolation worldwide. In this editorial,we discuss the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among the general population and among particularlyvulnerable groups (e.g., people with pre-existing mental illness). Additionally, we explore the role of e-mental health optionsin times of social distancing. Preliminary empirical evidence indicates that a wide range of people have experiencedmental health difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding infection-control measures. E-mental healthoptions are a feasible means of addressing psychological distress and mental illness during the pandemic. Thus, theseoptions should be made available in a timely fashion. Future multidisciplinary research is needed to develop e-mentalhealth strategies that specifically focus on the consequences of social isolation, economic hardship and fear of infection.

Keywords

• e-mental health
• mental health
• covid-19
• pandemic