COVID-19 Pandemic: A Consequential Global Hazard to Public Mental Health

Abstract

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 infection in humans first reported in Wuhan (China) which has spread around the world and having a significant impact on global health and mental health. It has caused widespread psychosocial and behavioural changes as a result of mass hysteria, economic burden, and financial losses, in addition to its high infectivity and the increased mortality rates. Method: Published articles regarding to mental health related to the COVID-19 outbreak and other previous global infections have been considered and reviewed. Comments: The pervasive fear of COVID-19, named as "coronaphobia," has resulted with a slew of psychiatric manifestations in people from all walks of life.  It has affected people from all the point of life, resulting in a variety of psychiatric issues such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear and uncertainty, panic attacks, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, xenophobia, and racism. Collective concerns have an impact on daily behaviours, the economy, prevention strategies, and decision-making by policymakers, health organisations, and medical centres, which can weaken COVID-19 control strategies and lead to increased morbidity and mental health needs on a global level.