First Report on the Mental Health of Disaster Workers Since the COVID-19 Pandemic

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Tae-in] The results of the first mental health assessment of COVID-19 disaster workers since the COVID-19 pandemic were announced.

The Iksan City Mental Health Welfare Center conducted a mental health survey (depression, anxiety, insomnia, somatization symptoms, resilience, etc.) on 578 COVID-19 disaster workers working in the jurisdiction.

As a result of the survey, among all subjects, 211 people (36.6%) showed severe depressive symptoms, 106 people (18.3%) showed high levels of anxiety symptoms, and 58 people (9.7%) complained of persistent insomnia.

In addition, 300 people (52%) complained of somatization symptoms (stomach pain, back pain, joint pain, headache, dizziness, indigestion, fatigue, etc.), among whom 103 people (17.9%) were at a severe level.

On the other hand, resilience, which refers to the ability to effectively overcome stress or adversity experienced by individuals, was evaluated to be very low in 326 people (56.4%) of the subjects.

In particular, depressive symptoms were more severe than anxiety symptoms, confirming that job stress and social relationship disconnection caused by COVID-19 have a serious impact on mental health.

Jang Seung-ho, director of the Iksan City Mental Health Welfare Center, stated, “Disaster workers working on the front lines to overcome COVID-19 are experiencing very serious psychological difficulties. I believe this is a time when warm encouragement and attention from the public are desperately needed. Our institution will continue to provide active psychological support to disaster workers.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.