Insomnia, Suicidal Thoughts, and Mental Health Among Health-Care Workers During COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a significant mental health crisis among frontline healthcare workers (FHCWs), with increased reports of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. This letter to the editor responds to a recent study on the psychological burden among FHCWs in Mexico and presents complementary findings from Taiwan. We found that fear of COVID-19, trust in information, and resilience were significant factors contributing to mental health outcomes, including insomnia and suicidal thoughts, among outpatients, healthcare workers, and the general population during the pandemic. These findings suggest that mental health interventions for healthcare workers should consider these factors and include strategies for clear communication, stress management, and resilience building. Particular attention should be given to nurses and residents/fellows who seem to be bearing a disproportionate share of the psychological burden. Ultimately, understanding these contributing factors can guide the development of targeted interventions to support the mental well-being of FHCWs during the pandemic.