Techniques, Methods, and Dissemination of Community-Based Psychological Support Strategies in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In times of the coronavirus pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 psychological support needs to meet certain requirements. Due to the lockdown in many countries of the world, the every-day activities of millions of people are reduced to a minimum. This may cause increased psychosomatic symptoms in persons with pre-existing mental illnesses, and additionally raises new challenges for the general population. As a result of the current contact restrictions, access to psychotherapy is further complicated. To guarantee the best possible care under the given conditions, we developed the CoPE (Coping with Corona: Extended Psychosomatic care in Essen) concept. CoPE is delivered by telephone or video calls as well as online contents. The materials presented at our webpage www.cope-corona.de aim to easily reach citizens affected by symptoms such as worries, depression or anger and let them receive readily understandable expert knowledge and training in basic self-help methods.

Veränderung der psychischen Belastung in der COVID-19-Pandemie in Deutschland: Ängste, individuelles Verhalten und die Relevanz von Information sowie Vertrauen in Behörden

“…Gleichzeitig fielen das subjektive Informiertheitslevel, Vertrauen in staatliche Maßnahmen und die Anwendung von adhärentem Sicherheitsverhalten im Verlauf der Pandemie stark ab. Dies lässt folgenden Schluss zu: Es ist wichtig, trotz Rückkehr zur Normalität, Menschen, insbesondere Risikogruppen, einen stabilen Zugang zu psychischen Unterstützungsprogrammen sowohl online als auch offline zu gewährleisten [ 21 , 26 – 28 ].…”

“…Diesbezügliche Kenntnisse sind aber wichtig, um die verschiedenen Belastungsmerkmale der Bevölkerung zu unterschiedlichen Zeitpunkten besser verstehen und diesen damit besser begegnen zu können, um z. B. Unterstützungsformate wie Informationsangebote, telefonische Beratung oder Onlineinterventionen lageangepasst zu entwickeln [26][27][28][29][30][31].…”

“…Australische Untersuchungen konnten zeigen, dass Menschen mit höherem Vertrauen in staatliche Maßnahmen sich eher an "Vermeidungsverhalten", also adhärentes Sicherheitsverhalten, hielten als jene mit weniger Vertrauen [20]. Neuseeländische Untersuchungen zeigten, dass Menschen während der "Lockdownphase" mehr Vertrauen in die Politik hatten, sich allerdings auch psychisch belasteter fühlten als zuvor [21] [21,[26][27][28].…”

Mental Health Burden of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Germany: Predictors of Mental Health Impairment

“…[5][6][7][8] Existing interventions aimed at offering low-threshold support are important in order to maintain mental health and support those in need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. [9][10][11] Recently published literature on the psychological impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on people's mental health has shown increased depression and anxiety symptoms, poor sleep quality, and distress. [12][13][14][15] Frontline medical staff in China were especially likely to report poor mental health during the ongoing pandemic.…”

Practical Advices for Treating Chronic Pain in the Time of COVID-19: A Narrative Review Focusing on Interventional Techniques

“…This has created the need to deliver immediate mental health screening and treatment interventions to large populations, with concerns regarding the supply of adequately trained mental health clinicians arising. [ 95 ] Fortunately, telehealth lends itself well to psychotherapeutic approaches [ 96 ], and reports of their success during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis are already emerging [ 97 , 98 ].…”