Research studies into the psychological health impact of previous disease outbreaks, such as the SARS epidemic in the early 2000 s, revealed a clear boost in suicide rates and the number of health care employees who experience emotional distress.
The authors called for government financing to establish specialised working groups comprised of individuals with experience of psychological health impacts to ensure research study and treatment are prioritised.
” Increased social seclusion, isolation, health stress and anxiety, tension and an economic downturn are an ideal storm to hurt people’s psychological health and wellbeing,” stated Rory O’Connor, professor of Health Psychology at the University of Glasgow.
