THE THIRD WAVE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN COVID-19: POST-PANDEMIC EFFECTS

Abstract

Pandemics, such as COVID-19, constitute global events with profound and long-term psychological impacts. This study investigated the effects of the pandemic on mental health, focusing on the stages before, during, and after the crisis, with emphasis on the so-called "third wave" of mental health in the post-pandemic period. Using a qualitative questionnaire applied to 95 participants, mental health perceptions were analyzed, categorizing feelings as positive, negative and neutral.

The results revealed that words with negative connotations, such as "anxiety" and "fear", predominate in self-assessments, reflecting the lasting impact of the pandemic. Positive terms, such as "resilience" and "balance", appeared less frequently, but indicate signs of overcoming in some participants. The data also showed that vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents and the elderly, suffered more intense impacts, exacerbated by factors such as social isolation and socioeconomic insecurity. Pandemics leave emotional scars that persist for years, reinforcing the need for continuous psychological support strategies. This study highlights the importance of personalized interventions, inclusive public policies, and the promotion of collective resilience. The research contributes to understanding the prolonged impacts of COVID-19 and points out ways to mitigate future damage to mental health.