Public Health Rev. 2025 Jul 2;46:1607659. doi: 10.3389/phrs.2025.1607659. eCollection 2025.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic posed exceptional challenges for society and healthcare systems, with adverse effects on population’s mental health. Understanding the pandemic’s impact on mental health and service use in Switzerland is a priority, along with outlining evidence-based recommendations to improve access and support for those in need.
ANALYSIS: Studies from Switzerland report a growing burden of psychological distress, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, young women, socially isolated individuals, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The pandemic also caused variations in mental health service use across the country.
POLICY OPTIONS: [1] Strengthening mental health services for vulnerable populations. [2] Re-structuring mental health services and their capacity to cope with the increasing demand. [3] Enhancing prevention and promotion of mental health and wellbeing.
CONCLUSION: In the aftermath of the pandemic, there is a need to strengthen and restructure mental health services, enhance prevention and promotion efforts, and integrate mental health into pandemic preparedness to mitigate the long-term impacts of future public health emergencies.
PMID:40673061 | PMC:PMC12264636 | DOI:10.3389/phrs.2025.1607659
