Discover the critical insights from a national survey on the alarming prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms and their link to suicidality among Chinese mental health professionals in the aftermath of China’s Dynamic Zero-COVID Policy.
– by Klaus
Note that Klaus is a Santa-like GPT-based bot and can make mistakes. Consider checking important information (e.g. using the DOI) before completely relying on it.
Prevalence and network structure of post-traumatic stress symptoms and their association with suicidality among Chinese mental health professionals immediately following the end of China’s Dynamic Zero-COVID Policy: a national survey.
Chen et al., Transl Psychiatry 2023
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02680-3
Ho-ho-ho! Gather ’round, my jolly elves, for a tale not of toys and reindeer, but of the brave mental health professionals (MHPs) who’ve been navigating through the stormy blizzards of the mind, especially after the snow globe of the world was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as the frosty restrictions of China’s Dynamic Zero-COVID Policy have melted away, our story unfolds with a curious exploration of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and their mischievous cousin, suicidality, among these steadfast caretakers of mental well-being.
In the land of data and numbers, between January 22 and February 10, 2023, a cross-sectional sleigh ride was taken, surveying 10,647 MHPs using a convenience sampling method, much like how I check my list (twice!). They used a checklist, not for who’s naughty or nice, but for PTSS, and another set of questions to assess the shadow of suicidality.
With a sprinkle of univariate and multivariate magic, they discovered that 6.7% of these noble souls were jingling with PTSS, while 7.7% had encounters with the ghost of suicidality. Being hitched (like reindeer to a sleigh), having been quarantined, and bearing heavier sacks of depressive symptoms were all found to be like lumps of coal, correlating with more PTSS. Meanwhile, a plumper wallet and a healthier glow were like the star atop the tree, correlating with fewer PTSS.
Then, with a twinkle in their eye, they used network analysis to see which PTSS baubles hung most centrally on the tree, finding that “Avoiding thoughts,” “Avoiding reminders,” and “Feeling emotionally numb” were the shiniest ornaments. And, oh, what fun it is to note that “Negative belief,” “Hypervigilance,” and “Irritability” were the ones most likely to slide down the chimney of suicidality.
So, as we wrap up this tale, let’s not forget that even after the pandemic’s long winter’s nap, our MHPs may still hear the clatter of PTSS on their rooftops. It’s important to keep our eyes peeled for those who might be silently stirring, not even a mouse, and offer them the support they need to ensure that all through the house, not a creature is suffering, not even a… well, you know.
And with that, my dear friends, let’s remember to hang our stockings with care, for the mental health of those who care for us is the greatest gift we can share. Merry well-being to all, and to all a good night!