# Managing mental & psychological wellbeing amidst COVID-19 pandemic: Positive psychology interventions

**Authors:** Maria Tresita Paul V., N. Uma Devi  
**arXiv:** [2104.11726](https://arxiv.org/abs/2104.11726)  
**Date:** 2021-04-23  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2104.11726v3/

## Key points

- COVID-19 pandemic has impacted healthcare systems worldwide, including the US
- Concerns about a secondary crisis of mental health alongside physical health crisis
- Previous epidemics and financial turmoil have shown increase in mental and psychological issues
- Vulnerable group: individuals infected with and cured of COVID-19 facing social discrimination
- Lack of attention given to mental health in developing countries like India
- Study aims to highlight importance of mental and psychological health during pandemic
- Interventions based on positive psychology principles can support wellbeing as psychological first aid
- Mental health should be recognized and prioritized alongside physical health during pandemic

## Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on healthcare systems worldwide, including in the United States. Alongside the physical health crisis caused by the virus, there is also a growing concern about a secondary crisis of mental health. Previous epidemics and financial turmoil, such as SARS and MERS, have shown a significant increase in mental and psychological issues among populations, including depression, low quality of life, self-harm, and suicidal tendencies. One particularly vulnerable group is individuals who have been infected with and cured of COVID-19. These individuals often face social discrimination due to fear and stigma surrounding the virus. While governments are taking steps to contain and prevent further infections, there is still a lack of attention given to the mental and psychological wellbeing of people in developing countries like India. Mental health continues to be stigmatized and considered "non-existent" in these regions. This study aims to highlight the importance of mental and psychological health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from positive psychology literature, the researchers suggest interventions that can support people's wellbeing by acting as a form of psychological first aid. By addressing mental health alongside physical health concerns, these interventions can help mitigate the potential mental health pandemic that may arise from this global crisis. In conclusion, it is crucial to recognize and prioritize mental and psychological wellbeing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments and healthcare systems should implement interventions based on positive psychology principles to provide necessary support for individuals' mental health needs. By doing so, we can effectively address both the physical and mental aspects of this global crisis in order to ensure better outcomes for all affected communities around the world.