POST PANDEMIC COVID-19: THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused problems in terms of health and social living conditions. It is crucial that we assess its impact on the mental health and well-being of the young population, especially those who are investing in Higher Education and training in Social Work. There are some studies that analyze the impact on the mental health and well-being of this specific group, after the pandemic context. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact that this pandemic has had on the mental health and psychological well-being of higher education students. To this end, a questionnaire survey was applied to undergraduate students in Social Work at the Instituto Politecnico de Portalegre, as well as an interview with the institution's psychologist. This study is part of the qualitative research paradigm and is descriptive-exploratory. The results point to the importance of, at all times in academic life and particularly during times of uncertainty and crisis, as was the case with the COVID-19 pandemic, developing psychological, as well as social, support for Higher Education students. The offices that provide psychological support, as well as social support in Higher Education institutions, play an essential role in the well-being of students.