Mental health trajectories across COVID-19 and beyond: South African occupational health surveillance data (2019–2023)

Abstract

There are inconsistent reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated social restrictions on mental health, with initial suggestions of an increased prevalence of mental disorders in South Africa. However, the longitudinal trajectories of mental health responses across the COVID-19 pandemic are not clear. The primary aim of this study was to describe the trajectories of self-reported common mental disorders, as determined by repeat administration of clinical screening tools across five consecutive years (from 2019 to 2023). A secondary aim was to consider associations with demographic factors such as gender and age. Point prevalence estimates were obtained from a South African occupational mental health surveillance programme in a stable workplace population. Trajectories of common mental disorders across COVID-19 were determined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 to identify Major Depressive Disorder and Generalised Anxiety Disorder, respectively. Prevalence estimates for depression and anxiety disorders initially remained stable before increasing towards mid-2021 and returning to pre-COVID-19 estimates by end-2022. Suicidal ideation decreased early into the pandemic but returned to pre-COVID-19 levels by 2021. The study suggests that on a practical level, readily available access to mental health care remains an important mechanism to protect mental health during and after major societal disruptor events. This can further be supported through regular monitoring and through providing high-intensity early intervention for at least 18 to 24 months following such events.