HOW THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED THE IMAGE OF PSYCHIATRY

Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has brought the world at a standstill with unprecedented confinement measures and lockdowns in order to contain the novel virus. Negative effects of the pandemic on mental health are the main focal point. Social isolation, loneliness and the uncertainty of day to day living put a strain on the individual's psyche, therefore psychiatric intervention is highly needed. Mental health care providers are the key to help preserve and reconstruct a post-pandemic society. METHOD: Existing literature on the Covid-19 outbreak pertinent to mental health was retrieved from the PubMed database using as a main focal point the role of the psychiatrist in managing the angst caused by the already mentioned stressful factor. In times of uncertainty and fear, mental health care remains the major pillar as it has been for numerous years, with implications worldwide. CONCLUSION: There is a pressing need for developing healthy coping mechanisms during the current crisis and it is mandatory to acknowledge the role of the psychiatrist from an early stage in order to preserve a sense of stability for the individual.