Studying the Mental Health of Family and Friends of COVID-19 Patients

Many studies show that COVID-19 patients and the healthcare workers helping them can face health issues later. In our study, we looked at how the mental health of family members and close friends of COVID-19 patients can be affected. We collected data from more than 160,000 adults in four Northern European countries. We found that family members and friends of COVID-19 patients were more likely to feel sad and worried compared to those without loved ones with the virus. These symptoms were even stronger and lasted longer if their loved one was very sick and had to go to the hospital. This shows that we should care about the mental and physical health of both COVID-19 patients and their families and friends.