Crisis within a Crisis: The Invisible Battle for Mental Health amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This research delves into the overlooked impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health within the broader context of globalization. As globalization facilitates interconnectedness among nations, it inadvertently accelerates the spread of infectious diseases, amplifying their socioeconomic and healthcare ramifications. The emergence of COVID-19 in late 2019 ushered in an unprecedented global crisis, straining healthcare systems and disrupting economies worldwide. While much attention has been directed towards the physical and economic consequences of the pandemic, the profound psychological toll often remains sidelined. This study aims to elucidate the complex interplay between globalization, the COVID-19 pandemic, and mental health, drawing upon data about mobility, economy, healthcare infrastructure, and country-level health susceptibility. The research aims to examine the linked parts to highlight the mental health difficulties worsened by the pandemic and suggest specific interventions to enhance resilience and well-being. The conclusion stresses the critical importance of prioritizing mental health in public health measures, especially focusing on vulnerabilities in children, adolescents, and frontline workers. Societies can become stronger and more resilient by acknowledging and dealing with the hidden struggle for mental health throughout this crises.