Preparing for the Next Pandemic to Protect Public Mental Health: What Have We Learned from COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic exerted an extraordinary impact on public mental health to an extent not yet fully understood. Risk perception shaped psychological and behavioral responses, including experiences of distress, psychiatric disorders, and engagement in pandemic-related health behaviors. COVID-19 created unique aspects of evolving risk with various communities disproportionately impacted. The unique nature and duration of the pandemic required public-private partnerships that leveraged and adapted promising practices to promote essential elements that foster well-being after disasters. Early findings are reviewed, and further research will inform on best practices for protecting public mental health during future pandemics.