Researchers warn that COVID-19 could potentially have a profound impact on global mental health, both now and in the future.

With such an unprecedented and uncertain time, it has become apparent that the general public have substantial concerns regarding mental health.

According to new research, there is currently an urgent need to tackle the harmful impacts of the COVID-19 on our mental health.

To safeguard this, scientists are now calling for the rapid real-time monitoring of mental health to rolled out globally, as well as ‘moment to moment’ monitoring of anxiety to be examined through digital apps and programmes, particularly for those who are vulnerable and/or working on the frontline.

Despite current research warning that the pandemic could have profound impacts, so far only a small proportion of scientific publications have discovered impacts on mental health. Scientists have warned that if funding and better coordination isn’t found, we could be looking a more widespread problem.

Throughout the King’s College research paper, it is stressed that research into resilience is key and that no ‘one size fits all’ approach is possible. Instead, new approaches will need to be tailored.

Although the complete impact of COVID-19 is not yet known, it is thought that diseases such as this also have impacts on the human nervous system. For example, the SARS epidemic was thought to be associated with 30% of suicide and 29% of emotional distress in healthcare workers.

With increased social isolation, loneliness and health anxieties, researchers and scientists beg that the scale of this problem is simply too big to ignore.

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NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre

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NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre

This is a partnership between South London, Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and the UK’s largest mental health trust, and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at Kings College London. The combined Institutes make up Europe’s leading academic centre for mental health research. The centres are focused on researching tests, treatments and technologies in order to better understand and treat those with mental health disorders.

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MQ Mental Health

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MQ Mental Health

The leading charity looking at mental health research. Funding world class research into mental health by gaining more knowledge about how and why mental health conditions occur. They also look to improve current treatments and to find ways of preventing mental illnesses developing.

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The Academy of Medical Sciences

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The Academy of Medical Sciences

The independent body in the UK representing the diversity of medical science. Their mission is to enable advancements in biomedical and health research, aiding its translations into the benefits for society. The Academy of Medical Sciences seeks to advance medical science and improve health by investing in researchers as well as engaging people globally on health-related issues.

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King’s College London

Aiming to make the world a better place through world leading research, KCL are focused on delivering research which is both informative and innovative. With their research strategically aligned with King’s Health Partners, they are able to bring together academics and clinicians to ensure efficient translations and adoption of research innovation.

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