INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in people's daily

lives that have never been seen before, with many individuals

facing a wide range of difficulties with their physical and

mental health. One of the most major effects of the epidemic has

been on people's mental health, and as a result, the worldwide

community is currently dealing with a mental health crisis on a

magnitude that has never been seen before.

The pandemic has made normal life far more difficult to navigate,

which has led to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and

uncertainty. People have been forced to adjust to socially

distancing measures, remote jobs, and virtual learning, all of

which have contributed to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and

boredom among the general population. Many people are feeling a

sense of loss and alienation from their communities as a result

of the lack of social interaction and the inability to

participate in activities that are familiar to them. This is the

result of the inability to engage in activities that are familiar

to them.
In addition, the worry that many people have of getting the virus

themselves or losing loved ones has resulted in substantial

psychological distress. Because the epidemic has had such

extensive consequences on people's mental health, impacting

individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, it has become

a huge public health concern. The stress and anxiety brought on

by the pandemic have contributed to an uptick in the percentages

of people suffering from mental health issues including as

depression and anxiety.

Individuals who were already battling with mental health

disorders prior to the pandemic have seen particularly severe

negative effects on their mental health as a result of the

pandemic. The epidemic has brought forth additional stressors,

including as disruptions in treatment, difficulty obtaining

healthcare services, and increasing financial insecurity, which

might exacerbate the symptoms of those who already have pre-

existing mental health disorders.

The epidemic has also contributed to an increase in the

consumption of substances and addiction to them. People have

turned to substances like drugs and alcohol as a means of coping

with the stress and worry brought on by the pandemic, which has

led to a rise in the rates of addiction and overdoses. The

effects of the pandemic on mental health have also been seen

among those who work in the healthcare industry and have been

working nonstop to care for patients. Healthcare professionals

are experiencing higher levels of stress and burnout as a result

of their continual exposure to the virus and the worry of

infecting their loved ones.

In addition, the effects of the pandemic on mental health have

been especially severe for marginalized communities, such as

persons of color and those with a poor socioeconomic position.

These communities have been disproportionately affected by the

pandemic, both in terms of health outcomes and economic effect,

leading to higher levels of stress and anxiety. These communities

have also been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

The pandemic has also shed light on the existing inequities in

mental health care. As a result, many people are now aware of the

obstacles they must overcome in order to gain access to mental

health services. These obstacles include a lack of insurance

coverage, transportation, and stigma. The epidemic has brought to

light the necessity of increasing investments in mental health

care and support services, particularly for those who are most

susceptible to the effects of such services.

VARIABLE 1

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has had a significant effect on

people's mental health all around the world. Since the beginning

of the pandemic, researchers have been examining the

psychological consequences of COVID-19, and the literature

regarding these studies is constantly developing. This overview

of linked research provides a summary of some of the most

important discoveries about the effects that COVID-19 has had on

mental health.

The rise in rates of both anxiety and depression has been cited

as one of the most significant effects that COVID-19 has had on

mental health. Xiong et al. (2020) conducted a study in which

they discovered that the prevalence of anxiety and depression

symptoms was higher in persons who had been exposed to the COVID-

19 epidemic in comparison to those who had not been exposed to

the outbreak. Another study conducted in China during the COVID-

19 epidemic by Wang et al. (2020) came to the same conclusion,

finding that the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms

dramatically rose during that time.

Additionally, the epidemic has caused an increase in people's

levels of stress. According to the findings of a study that was

conducted by Huang and Zhao (2020), the COVID-19 pandemic was

linked to heightened levels of stress experienced by both

healthcare workers and the general public. According to the

findings of the study, stress levels among healthcare workers

were significantly greater than those among the general

population.

Isolation from one's peers and feelings of loneliness have also

become serious problems as a result of the pandemic. During the

COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation was found to be connected

with an increased risk of both sadness and anxiety, according to

a study that was conducted by Killgore et al. (2020). In yet

another study, Palgi et al. (2020) revealed that increased levels

of depression, anxiety, and stress were connected with increased

levels of loneliness during the pandemic.

Additionally, vulnerable populations, including as children and

adolescents, have been significantly impacted as a direct result

of the epidemic. According to the findings of a study conducted

by Racine and colleagues (2020), the pandemic had a detrimental

effect on the mental health of children and adolescents, with

elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and indications of post-

traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It appears that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on

mental health overall, with increased levels of anxiety, sadness,

stress, social isolation, and loneliness. This is suggested by

the research that has been conducted. In the course of and in the

aftermath of the pandemic, it is critical for decision-makers and

those providing healthcare to identify and address issues related

to mental health.
 VARIABLE 2

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect not only on

the Philippines but also on the rest of the world. The impacts of

the epidemic have been felt in many facets of society, including

the health sector, the economy, and the educational system. The

state of people's mental health is one of the areas that has been

greatly impacted. The effects of the pandemic on day-to-day

living in the Philippines, including as social isolation, the

loss of loved ones, and unstable financial situations, have

contributed to an increase in the prevalence of mental health

problems. In this assessment of the available research, we will

investigate how COVID-19 has impacted mental health in the

Philippines by looking at the research that has already been

done.

The Effects of COVID-19 on People's Mental Health in the

Philippines:

The epidemic caused by COVID-19 has had a severe effect on

people's mental health in the Philippines. A study that was

carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) discovered

that there was a considerable increase in mental health concerns,

such as anxiety, sadness, and stress, among the population of the

Philippines during the epidemic. Specifically, the study focused

on the outbreak of the pandemic. According to the findings of the

study, the most significant contributors to the rise in mental

health problems are social isolation, fear of getting the virus,

and financial uncertainty.

During the course of the pandemic, there was an increase in the

demand for mental health services, according to the findings of

another study that was carried out by the Philippine Mental

Health Association (PMHA). According to the findings of the

study, there was an increase in the number of persons seeking

therapy and there was also a considerable increase in the number

of calls received by the PMHA's helpline.

In addition to this, Sotto and colleagues conducted a study in

which they discovered that the COVID-19 pandemic had a

substantial influence on mental health workers in the

Philippines. According to the findings of the study, mental

health professionals face significant levels of stress, anxiety,

and burnout as a result of the increasing amount of work they

have to do and the fear of becoming infected with the virus.

SYNTHESIS/ASSUMPTION
The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on people's

mental health, and the Philippines is no exception. The epidemic

has caused unparalleled difficulties, such as social isolation,

monetary instability, and fear of getting the virus. Anxiety,

depression, and stress are on the rise among the Filipino

community as a result of these difficulties. The high stress

levels faced by mental health practitioners, the rising demand

for mental health services, and the increased number of calls to

helplines are all evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on mental

health in the Philippines.

Isolation is a major contributor to the rise in mental health

problems in the Philippines. Lockdowns and quarantines instituted

by the government to stem the spread of the virus have had the

unintended consequence of isolating people from one another.

People's emotional and psychological well-being have suffered as

a result of this isolation. People's anxiety about their own and

their loved ones' health has increased because of the fear of

catching the virus, which has contributed to the rise in mental

health problems.
Rising rates of mental illness are exacerbated by the country's

precarious economic situation. People's tension and anxiety

levels are through the roof because the pandemic has caused them

to lose their jobs, their income, and their living standards,

making them poor. Stress, despair, and anxiety have all increased

as a result of people worrying about their financial stability,

which has increased the demand for mental health treatments.

The rising volume of calls to mental health helplines in the

Philippines during the pandemic is further evidence of the

epidemic's impact on people's psychological well-being. The PMHA

said it received a dramatic uptick in calls to its hotline from

those in need of mental health services during the pandemic.

Amidst these difficulties, there has been an uptick in the need

for mental health services, highlighting the importance of

providing more help and resources to those who need it.

The epidemic has also had a major impact on the workforce in the

field of mental health. Mental health professionals are

increasingly at danger of burnout due to rising workloads brought

on by rising demand for mental health services. Mental health

professionals' worry and anxiety due to fear of getting the virus

has prompted concerns about their own mental health and well-

being.

There have been initiatives to meet the mental health

requirements of Filipinos despite the difficulties brought on by

the pandemic. The government has established many programs to aid

those who are experiencing mental health concerns, including as

online counseling services and mental health hotlines. The PMHA

has also been running mental health webinars and online

counseling sessions to help people with their mental health.

However, more aid and resources are needed to help people in the

Philippines cope with their mental health issues as a result of

the pandemic. It's important to improve access to mental health

care for all, especially in underserved and rural communities.

Helping mental health professionals handle their workload and

deal with the stress and anxiety that comes with the job requires

additional resources and support systems.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 epidemic has had a severe effect on

the country of the Philippines' mental health. Anxiety, despair,

and stress are on the rise as a result of the viral outbreak,

which has disrupted daily life and left many people feeling alone

and afraid. There is a pressing need for more resources and

support for people dealing with mental health issues in light of

the rising demand for mental health services, the rising number

of calls to helplines, and the high levels of stress experienced

by mental health workers. It is critical that the government,

mental health organizations, and other stakeholders collaborate

to address the mental health impact of COVID-19 in the

Philippines by providing assistance and resources to affected

persons and mental health practitioners.