Impact of COVID-19 on mental health of public health workers
Role of social workers
Keywords:
COVID-19, mental health, healthcare workers, social workers, stress, anxiety, burnout, psychological support, telehealth, resource coordinationAbstract
Aim: This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of public health workers and explores the pivotal role of social workers in addressing these challenges. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather data on the mental health effects of COVID-19 on healthcare professionals and the interventions implemented by social workers. Sources included peer-reviewed articles, reports from health organizations, and case studies from various regions affected by the pandemic. Results: The findings indicate that healthcare professionals experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout due to increased workloads, lack of resources, and the fear of infection. Social workers play a crucial role in mitigating these effects through mental health support, resource coordination, advocacy, and policy development. They provide individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and psychoeducation. Social workers also facilitate access to essential resources, support vulnerable populations, and implement telehealth and digital support services to maintain continuity of care. Conclusion: The mental health of healthcare workers is critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Social workers are essential in providing emotional support, facilitating resource access, and advocating for vulnerable groups. Their interventions help mitigate the psychosocial effects of the pandemic and promote resilience within healthcare teams.
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