Abstract

The infection caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) began in China and spread throughout the whole world. It was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID 19 poses challenges in all aspects of life including mental health for the whole world. Excepting the stress caused by the disease, stay at the home, stigma, social distancing, quarantine, and isolation cause deterioration of mental health. The COVID-19 outbreak causes anxiety, stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and fear in individuals. In pandemics, mental health care for each individual is at different levels (prevention, promotion, and clinical care). Individuals need emotional support through their families and healthcare professionals. In isolation situations, mental health services should be maintained with online services. Besides, the media has emphasized COVID-19 as a unique threat to mental health. Updated information should be obtained from safe sources. Also, healthcare workers at the front line in the hospital may have the fear of becoming infected and spreading the virus to their families. For healthcare workers, mental health can be protected by accommodation to reduce the fear of infecting their families, enough protective equipment, training for the treatment, care, and psychological problems of patients with COVID-19, and psychological support to healthcare professionals. This review aimed to explain the possible effects of COVID-19 on mental health and the things to be done to protect mental health.