Social distancing plays a leading role in controlling the spread of coronavirus. However, prolonged lockdown can lead to negative consequences in terms of mental health. The goal of the research is to examine the relationship between anxiety and general psychosomatic functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic; the impact of psychological flexibility and mindfulness is also considered. Variables were measured with self-report questionnaires and symptom checklists. The sample included 170 people (M = 27.79, SD = 8.16). Pearson’s correlation, stepwise regression, and path analysis were conducted. The results showed a significant positive relationship between state anxiety and somatic and psychological responses to the pandemic. Path analysis revealed that mindfulness had a direct negative impact on and decreased the level of state anxiety (b = −0.22, p = 0.002), whereas psychological flexibility influenced the variable indirectly (b = 0.23, p = 0.002) by enhancing psychosomatic functioning (b = −0.64, p < 0.001). Psychological flexibility and mindfulness may mediate the development of mental disorders and facilitate achieving overall wellbeing. The study points to the usefulness of mindfulness practice as a form of self-help with anxiety symptoms; this is crucial during the pandemic because contact with clients is restricted.

Many studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic can have a great influence on mental health. However, there is still not enough research to fully understand how people suffering from schizophrenia experience crisis situations such as a pandemic. This qualitative study aims to explore this subject. Ten outpatients suffering from schizophrenia were interviewed in a semi-structured format using an interview designed by the authors for the purpose of this study. The interviews were transcribed, and a conventional qualitative content analysis was conducted. The general themes identified in the content analysis were organized into four categories: first reactions to information about the pandemic; subjective assessment of the pandemic’s impact on patients’ mental health; patients’ attitudes towards the temporary limitations and lockdowns; psychiatric treatment and psychotherapy during the pandemic. A variety of different experiences were observed, but the general conclusion arising from the study suggests that the majority of the interviewed patients coped quite well with the pandemic and that the observed reactions were similar to the reactions of other groups described in the literature. The study also confirmed the importance of the continuity of psychiatric care for patients with schizophrenia.

Introduction and objective: The main aim of this study was to provide indicators of mental health in the Polish population and to examine the need for different kinds of support (psychological, financial, educational, work-related, etc.) during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: The study used demographic measures and questions specific to the COVID-19 pandemic. The General Functioning Questionnaire (GFQ-58) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to assess mental health and psychosomatic functioning. Additionally, participants selected psychological and somatic symptoms they experienced. Results: Participants reported numerous psychological and somatic symptoms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Stepwise regression analyses revealed significant predictors of mental health, anxiety, and psychological/somatic symptoms. Risk indicators included current psychiatric treatment, prior psychiatric history, receiving psychiatric or psychological treatment during the pandemic, limitations in interpersonal contacts and physical activity, need for financial assistance, need for support at work and in education, unemployment, and female sex. There were many specific sex differences, but women generally reported higher intensity of psychological/somatic symptoms. Women experienced symptoms directly linked to the pandemic, whereas men experienced the consequences of the pandemic in a more indirect way. They did not openly attribute their symptoms to the pandemic; however, its consequences affected men’s mental health and general psychosocial functioning to a greater extent. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on general psychosomatic functioning, but this impact differs for women and men. It is possible to identify specific risk indicators which are responsible for reduced mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the associations between resiliency, patient’s perception of mutual communication in close relationships, and the subjective perception of mental health. Subject or material and methods: Sixty-one patients diagnosed with schizophrenia completed the following questionnaires: the RAS (subscales included: determination, openness, competencies, tolerance and life attitude), the mutual communications subscale from the PRQ, and the GHQ-12. Results: Investigation showed positive associations between openness and tolerance with patient’s perception of mutual communication. Based on this findings, a model of double mediation was created and included two factors of resiliency. Double mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of patients` perception of mutual communication on the subjective perception of mental health mediating through openness and tolerance. Discussion: Deducing from the results, the patients` perception of mutual communication appears to be a significant determinant of the two factors of resiliency that play a key role in the state of mental health. Conclusions: Building effective and positive communication (e.g., in family or couples therapy) can have a long-term impact on mental health, provided it fosters the development of psychological resilience traits.

Aim of the study: The main aim of the study was to examine how patients’ initial levels of psychopathology and general functioning affected their recovery during treatment in a day rehabilitation psychiatric ward. Subject or material and methods: Demographic and clinical data were collected during patients’ hospitalization in a day rehabilitation psychiatric ward. Sixty patients were included. The variables were measured at baseline (Pretest) and at the end (Posttest). The study included the following tools: the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) and the Illness and the Recovery Management Scale (IMRS). Results: The results showed a significant improvement in patients’ subjective experiences of illness management and recovery between the Pretest and Posttest. In addition, an initial lower level of psychopathology and better general functioning, as assessed by clinicians, improved treatment outcomes. Treatment led to a reduction of psychopathological symptoms and improved daily functioning in the day rehabilitation unit. Discussion: The findings of this study support the importance of multidimensional rehabilitation approaches for schizophrenia treatment, thus emphasizing the need for thorough diagnostic assessment before treatment to ensure a more personalized approach. Discussion: The findings of this study support the importance of multidimensional rehabilitation approaches for schizophrenia treatment, thus emphasizing the need for thorough diagnostic assessment before treatment to ensure a more personalized approach. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary conclusions on the legitimacy of implementing the assumptions of programs focused on recovery in psychiatric care and proves that the therapeutic effects provided within them are effective.