Mental health in the Mexican population due to COVID-19

This paper analyzes the status of mental health of the adult population of Mexico in the context of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). This article analyzes the mental health status of the adult population of Mexico in the context of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). A total of 899 participants from different regions of Mexico participated, M age = 34.8, SD= 11.38, women= 641, men=258, during the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The instruments applied were the COVID-19 Fear Scale (FCV-19S), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), the Purpose I Life Test (PIL), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ -9) and the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Questionnaire for social support. The application was carried out individually, during the period from June 12 to September 14, 2020. The results indicated that the participants did not present acute symptoms of fear towards COVID-19. However, a considerable presence of generalized anxiety and depression was found at different levels. Social support and life purpose are present, counteracting anxiety and depression, while fear and the number of hours of exposure to thoughts about COVID-19 contributed positively to these psychological variables. It is concluded that the health crisis caused by COVID-19 has strongly impacted on the mental health of the participants; however, there are strengths such as social support and life purpose that help to cope with the effects of the pandemic. Therefore, these two strengths should be worked on to promote mental health during times of health crisis.