The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health,
prompting widespread public health measures that inadvertently disrupted occupational
engagement and mental health. This chapter highlights the specific challenges
presented by COVID-19 with a focus on mental health. This chapter focuses on mental
health, a key strategy in responding to the pandemic, as identified by the World Health
Organisation (WHO). Key mental health-related impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
on the world’s population included occupational disruption, increased mental health
issues, and a marked impact on vulnerable populations such as children and those with
pre-existing mental conditions. Telehealth emerged as a crucial adaptation in
occupational therapy, facilitating continuity of care. However, disparities in access to
these services persist, necessitating further attention to health equity. Lessons learned
are ongoing and point to the use of virtual/ teletherapy technologies, the need for
integrated health services, and ongoing support for mental health care in future
pandemics.
Keywords: COVID-19, Health service delivery, Mental health, Occupational engagement, Occupational therapy, Pandemic preparedness, Psychological distress, Social isolation, Telehealth, Vulnerable populations.
