# Mental health: health worker narratives in the context of COVID-19 in Brazil

## TL;DR

This study explores the mental health challenges and coping strategies of Brazilian health workers during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Contribution

The paper provides novel qualitative insights into the psychological experiences and coping mechanisms of health workers in Brazil during the pandemic.

## Key findings

- Health workers experienced significant fear of illness and death due to their frontline roles.
- They faced emotional strain from balancing caregiving with fears of transmitting the virus to loved ones.
- Coping strategies included personal routines, faith, and collective measures like public policies.

## Abstract

During the pandemic, “staying at home” was not an option for many people,
especially health workers, who were on the front lines in the fight against
COVID-19 and whose mental health was threatened.

This study highlights the psychological repercussions of the pandemic and the
coping strategies used by health workers in an effort to develop mental
health resources.

This qualitative exploratory study investigated the narratives of 14 health
workers from an online focus group between August and September 2020,
transcribing the meetings and performing thematic content analysis.

The analysis resulted in 3 categories of experience: 1) the professional as a
patient, especially the fear of suffering or dying based on daily
experience; 2) the fine line between providing care and being a vector of
transmission, which identified worries about infecting family members and
work overload; and 3) coping strategies and mental health on an individual
level, such as routines, care, faith, and learning lessons, as well as on a
collective level, such as prevention measures and public policies.

Studies such as this can contribute to a framework of knowledge about coping
strategies to maintain mental health among health workers. They also provide
an opportunity to listen, which produces meaning, empathy, and recognition
for these professionals.