Mental Health in the Time of Coronavirus Disease 2019

Certain life experiences can have a profound effect on human emotions. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, patients are reporting mood disturbances at much higher levels. Multiple encounters with real and imagined threat, prolonged isolation, and loss of control have adversely impacted the country’s behavioral health. However, most people will not pursue psychological care when needed, and some who pursue it will be unable to access it. Nurse practitioners and other health care professionals are in an optimal position to help. Psychological research explains some of what is driving this phenomenon and offers suggestions of benefit to patients, families, and colleagues. •Mental health around the world has suffered from the impact of coronavirus disease 2019.•Natural experiences with chronic stress, isolation, and learned helplessness have given rise to significant problems of anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation.•Most people will not bring their emotional problems to a mental health professional.•Nurse practitioners and other medical professionals are in an optimal position to understand, educate, and instruct patients in this difficult time.