New study reveals pandemic has been particularly hard on Czech women

A new survey from PAQ Research has revealed the level of concern and anxiety caused by the coronavirus epidemic. The level of concern increased during December with 45 percent of people were very worried after Christmas, compared to at the beginning of the month when it was 41 percent of people. 

The survey also showed that the number of people experiencing anxiety and depression is maintained at around ten to 11 percent. 

Mental health fell more sharply during the autumn in households affected by the crisis for the youngest adults under 24 and women with children in distance education. The data also suggest that in the first wave of spring, up to a fifth of Czechs fell into income poverty in the short term.

Meanwhile, according to the latest information from the National Institute of Mental Health (NUDZ), women are showing more stress, while men are showing more altruistic behavior amid the COVID-19 epidemic.

The ongoing study aims at gathering information for preventive and social programs focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics alike.

NUDZ study coordinator Denisa Mankova said told CTK:

Some 60 percent of the interviewed reported they were spending more time following the media. When asked what helps them to cope with negative feelings triggered by the pandemic, people named sports, hobbies, work, and contact with other people. Over 200 researchers and 115,000 interviewed from 150 countries have taken part in the study. So far, there have been more than 2,300 Czech respondents.

The Czech government has launched an information and support campaign for mental health, which is being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The helpline 1221 offers psychological assistance in Czech and English.

A number of professionals from our own directory listings have confirmed that they are offering contactless Skype and WhatsApp sessions in English and other languages; see individual listings for therapists, counselors, and psychologists here.

There is a website available imalive.org which offers help to people in a crisis. They have a number of volunteers who can take phone calls from anyone struggling.