Intersecting losses and integrative practices: Work and mental health during the COVID-19 era and beyond

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis has resulted in unimaginable loss of life coupled with the loss of livelihoods for millions of people across the globe. In this article, we discuss the unique challenges of this crisis with a particular focus on how the pandemic has led to intersecting losses that have been exacerbated by ongoing social marginalization and inequities. An integrative treatment model informed by psychology of loss theories is presented for understanding the intersecting losses evoked by the pandemic-including the loss of work and financial security, relationships and collective rituals, routines and work-life boundaries, and physical and psychological health. Innovative features of this integrative perspective include a focus on enhancing critical consciousness, the use of integrative mental health and work-based interventions, and trauma-informed care. A case example and an integrative, prevention-based intervention that focuses on both work and mental health issues conclude the article. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement This article examines the intersecting nature of losses that have been evoked by COVID-19, which encompass work and financial security, relationships and collective rituals, routines and work-life boundaries, and physical and psychological health. These losses, which have taken place amidst the continuing struggle of marginalization and social inequity, call for a concerted effort by psychology, writ large, to innovate and integrate practices and prevention efforts. New directions for integrative practices and prevention are presented in conjunction with a conceptual model that can inform future efforts to support people and communities during and after the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)