COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health in People with lived experience of Mental Illness: Resilience as a Protective Factor

Resumo

Introduction The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of people
with lived experience of mental illness is unclear. Lockdowns allow users to attend Community Based Psychosocial Rehabilitation Facilities using telehealth. However, based on the impact of previous pandemics, it is possible that the COVID-19 pandemic could have a high impact on mental health. Nevertheless, the literature suggests that resilience may increase
health-promoting behaviors, decreasing this impact.; Goals Understand if resilience has  been a protective factor of psychological suffering on people with lived experience of mental illness inserted in Community-Based Psychosocial Rehabilitation Structures in Portugal.; Methods 139 people with lived experience of mental illness integrated into Community-Based Psychosocial Rehabilitation Structures in Portugal answered an online survey that included dimensions related to mental health, well-being and life satisfaction, during the pandemic and confinement.; Results The results point to a high levels of resilience and mental well-being in the individuals. Resilience shows a positive correlation with mental well-being and life satisfaction and a negative correlation with the DASS-21 score; Conclusions Resilience has been a protective factor of psychological distress during the pandemic. Occupational therapy can play a key role in promoting resilience. However, more research in this
field should be done in the future.