ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 affected our collective well-being. Measures during a pandemic may disproportionately impact individuals with mental illness. AIM: To measure the impact of COVID-19 on clients of FACT and autism teams over three waves. METHOD: Through a digital questionnaire participants (wave 1: n=100; wave 2: n=150; Omikron wave: n=15) reported on:
1. mental health, 2. outpatient care experiences, 3. government measures and information services. RESULTS: Happiness was rated on average with a 6 in the first two waves, positive consequences of wave 1 (clearer world, more reflection) persisted. The most frequently mentioned negative consequences were: decreased social interactions, increased mental problems and daily functioning. No new experiences were mentioned during the Omikron wave. The quality and amount of mental health care was rated ≥7 by 75-80%. Phone and video consultations were the most frequently mentioned positive care experience; missing face-to-face contact was considered most negative. Measures were harder to sustain in the second wave. Vaccination readiness and vaccination coverage were high. CONCLUSION: All COVID-19-waves show a consistent picture. Telepsychiatry was evaluated positively. Considering the results, the mental health sector could be ready for a next lockdown taking into account possibly higher expectations of clients.