Abstract
The paper reviews current knowledge on mental health consequences both on general population and health care professionals. Many countries report higher rates of depression and anxiety, nevertheless vulnerable population groups may differ regionally.
Additionally, substance abuse and rates of domestic violence also increased. Increase of suicidality is expected in the future after pandemic and so it is necessary to concentrate on both primary and secondary preventive programmes.
It is also vital to ensure the access to care for patients with preexisting mental disorders despite of difficulties in providing health care in general. The authors also present preliminary results of the national part of a large international study HEROES which is a long term study on psychological stress of health care and social care workers. 1856 Czech respondents took part in the first part of the study and 1416 finished the questionnaire and were enrolled in the study.
The goal of the study is not only international comparison of mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic on professionals but mainly proposal of supportive programmes based on real needs of the professionals.