Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of adults with mental health conditions in the UK: A qualitative interview study

Background People with mental health conditions have been identified as particularly vulnerable to poor mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, why this population have faced these adverse effects, how they have experienced them and how they have coped during the pandemic remains under-explored. Aims To explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health of people with existing mental health conditions, and to identify protective factors and coping strategies applied to support positive mental health. Method Semi-structured qualitative interviews and thematic analysis with 22 people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Results Five pandemic related factors contributed to a deterioration in mental health: i) feeling safe but isolated at home ii) disruption to mental health services, iii) cancelled plans and changed routines iv) uncertainty and lack of control, and v) rolling media coverage. Five coping strategies and protective factors were identified for maintaining mental health: i) previous experience of adversity ii) feeling less accountable to others iii) engaging in hobbies and activities, iv) staying connected with others, and v) perceived social support. Conclusions Particular challenges were identified that were a direct result of the pandemic and people with severe mental illnesses were particularly negatively affected. However, some participants found this period a time of respite, were able to draw upon reserves of resilience and adapt their coping strategies to maintain positive wellbeing.