The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health: PTSD and Post-Traumatic Growth Among Survivors

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health, with many survivors experiencing psychological challenges, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This study assessed PTSD symptoms and Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) among 62 individuals who recovered from COVID-19 and were under the care of the Department of Pneumonology, Oncology, and Allergology at the Medical University of Lublin. The results revealed that 40.32% of participants exhibited PTSD symptoms. Cognitive symptoms and post-COVID self-rated health were significant predictors of PTSD severity, with cognitive symptoms positively associated and self-rated health negatively associated with PTSD severity. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between PTSD severity and PTG, suggesting that while many individuals endure significant distress, they may also experience positive psychological changes, such as improved self-perception and resilience. These findings highlight the dual impact of COVID-19 on mental health and underscore the importance of integrated mental health care that addresses both mitigating PTSD symptoms and promoting resilience and growth in COVID-19 survivors.