Mental symptoms among mental health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

We aimed to examine the psychological reactions of healthcare professionals working in the field of mental health during the pandemic and their relationship with sleep quality, eating attitudes, and burnout. A cross-sectional survey was conducted over online platforms. A total of 128 mental health workers were included. Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and Eating Attitudes Test were administered. Depression was detected in 38.3%, anxiety in 73.4%, decreased sleep quality in 89.1%, emotional burnout in 64.8%, depersonalization in 85.9%, and decreased personal achievement in 75.8% of the participants. Anxiety scores of participants who did not take an active role in COVID-19 (22.23 ± 5.067) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those who took an active role in COVID-19 (16.5 ± 6.273). Special attention must be paid to the mental health professionals, especially during crisis periods.