A new survey from PAQ Research has revealed the level of concern and anxiety caused by the coronavirus epidemic. The level of concern increased during December with 45 percent of people were very worried after Christmas, compared to at the beginning of the month when it was 41 percent of people.
The survey also showed that the number of people experiencing anxiety and depression is maintained at around ten to 11 percent.
Mental health fell more sharply during the autumn in households affected by the crisis for the youngest adults under 24 and women with children in distance education. The data also suggest that in the first wave of spring, up to a fifth of Czechs fell into income poverty in the short term.
Meanwhile, according to the latest information from the National Institute of Mental Health (NUDZ), women are showing more stress, while men are showing more altruistic behavior amid the COVID-19 epidemic.
Oceňujeme nasazení lékařů a zdravotníků v první linii v boji s pandemií Covid-19 a uvědomujeme si zátěž, které jsou...
Posted by Národní ústav duševního zdraví on Monday, 23 November 2020
The ongoing study aims at gathering information for preventive and social programs focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics alike.
NUDZ study coordinator Denisa Mankova said told CTK:
"The fact that women fare worse in many aspects amid the pandemic is interesting. While nearly three women out of ten reported significant worsening of stress, the difference in men was negligible. Simultaneously, women noticed a considerable bad turn in feelings of loneliness and anger as against men."
Some 60 percent of the interviewed reported they were spending more time following the media. When asked what helps them to cope with negative feelings triggered by the pandemic, people named sports, hobbies, work, and contact with other people. Over 200 researchers and 115,000 interviewed from 150 countries have taken part in the study. So far, there have been more than 2,300 Czech respondents.
What options are available for people struggling with mental health?
The Czech government has launched an information and support campaign for mental health, which is being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The helpline 1221 offers psychological assistance in Czech and English.
A number of professionals from our own directory listings have confirmed that they are offering contactless Skype and WhatsApp sessions in English and other languages; see individual listings for therapists, counselors, and psychologists here.
Here is a simple self care recipe. What would you add? pic.twitter.com/joLVUEpmd3
— IMAlive Crisis Chat (@_IMAlive) January 5, 2021
There is a website available imalive.org which offers help to people in a crisis. They have a number of volunteers who can take phone calls from anyone struggling.
Mental health support available for expats in the Czech Republic
- Prague Integration has a weekly support group.
- #delamcomuzu is a project offering mental health support to expats.
- terap.io has a number of online therapy sessions for English speakers.
- Charles University offers individual or group psychological counseling in English FREE for full-time students at the university.
- You can also visit IMAlive.org for phone call support from volunteers.
- The government has a helpline on 1221 that include mental-health support.
- Visit our directory of mental health experts to book an online therapy session.