Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The emergence of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic have challenged all aspects of social and economic life in different countries, their health care systems, as well as the mental health of the population. The introduction of anti-epidemic measures with different duration and severity temporarily deprived of any of democratic freedoms and achievements and marked social communication with new rules. The tension and fear of the unknown, caused by the new disease, limited access to health facilities, impoverishment and job loss, increased mortality, restriction of contacts affected somewhat the mentality of every human being. Various researchers, including in Bulgaria, report significant negative effects on mental health, as this situation shows a clear negative trend. Aim: The article aims to present the second phase of the NCPHA study on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Bulgarian citizens.