Post-pandemic mental health: Understanding the global psychological burden and charting future research priorities

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has left an indelible mark on global mental health, with widespread psychological consequences that persist beyond the acute phase of the virus. This review synthesizes current evidence on the post-pandemic mental health burden across diverse populations, highlighting elevated rates of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and substance use disorders linked to prolonged social isolation, economic instability, and grief. We examine disparities in psychological outcomes among vulnerable groups (e.g., healthcare workers, survivors, marginalized communities) and identify key challenges in addressing these issues, including fragmented healthcare systems, stigma, and the limited scalability of interventions. Emerging evidence on resilience factors (e.g., social support and adaptive coping) is also discussed. Finally, we propose critical priorities for future research, including longitudinal studies on the chronic mental health effects, the development of culturally tailored interventions, and the integration of digital mental health solutions. This review distinctively addresses enduring post-pandemic mental health challenges, integrating neurobiological insights, equity-focused interventions, and critical perspectives on digital solutions, gaps underrepresented in prior syntheses. By charting a roadmap for multidisciplinary collaboration, this review aims to inform policymakers and researchers in mitigating the long-term psychological aftermath of the pandemic.