Post-pandemic mental health: Understanding the global psychological burden and charting future research priorities

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has left an indelible mark on global mental health, with widespread psychological consequences that persist beyond the acute phase of the virus. This review synthesizes current evidence on the post-pandemic mental health burden across diverse populations, highlighting elevated rates of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and substance use disorders linked to prolonged social isolation, economic instability, and grief. We examine disparities in psychological outcomes among vulnerable groups (e.g., healthcare workers, survivors, marginalized communities) and identify key challenges in addressing these issues, including fragmented healthcare systems, stigma, and the limited scalability of interventions. Emerging evidence on resilience factors (e.g., social support and adaptive coping) is also discussed. Finally, we propose critical priorities for future research, including longitudinal studies on the chronic mental health effects, the development of culturally tailored interventions, and the integration of digital mental health solutions. This review distinctively addresses enduring post-pandemic mental health challenges, integrating neurobiological insights, equity-focused interventions, and critical perspectives on digital solutions, gaps underrepresented in prior syntheses. By charting a roadmap for multidisciplinary collaboration, this review aims to inform policymakers and researchers in mitigating the long-term psychological aftermath of the pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Mental health; Psychological burden; Postpandemic; Research priorities; Global health

Core Tip: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated global mental health disparities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups (e.g., healthcare workers, youth, and marginalized communities). Unique pandemic stressors (e.g., social isolation, economic instability, and long COVID-related neuropsychiatric symptoms) have created new risk pathways. Systemic barriers such as fragmented care, stigma, and digital inequities limit intervention scalability, especially in low-resource settings. Evidence highlights resilience factors (social support, adaptive coping) and urgent priorities: Longitudinal research on chronic outcomes, culturally adapted interventions, and policy reforms integrating mental health into primary care and digital platforms. This crisis demands equity-focused, multidisciplinary action to mitigate long-term consequences.