Enforced collective social isolation during the coronavirus crisis has led to unprecedented society changes. Each of us have dealt with stress factors resulting from social distancing, reduced interpersonal connections, work and school challenges, and many more. At the same time, we have retained a sense of connectivity and belonging through the use of technology. This new unique set of circumstances has yielded unprecedented impacts on our psychological makeup and our interaction with the collective. What psychosocial and mental health affect us during the pandemic? Which stressors contribute to the development of mental health issues? Which protective factors can strengthen resilience and mental health? This STOA event will attempt to answer these questions and discuss policy options to strengthen the EU common response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Programme

15:00-15:05 - Welcome and introduction

Eva KAILI, MEP and STOA Chair

15:05-15:20 - Presentation of the STOA study 'How are we coping with the pandemic? Mental health and resilience amid the Covid-19 pandemic in the EU'

Angela Kunzler, The Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Germany

15:20-15:30 - Expert reflexions

Eleni Andreouli, The Open University, United Kingdom

15:30-15:55 - Discussion

15:55-16:00 - Closing remarks

MEP Peter Liese (EPP)

The event was held in English only, without interpretation.