Page, Shari2022-10-072022-10-072022-04-03http://hdl.handle.net/11210/277The recent coronavirus pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) is causing increased isolation because of quarantines and social isolation. Job loss has caused worry about whether one can pay bills and meet the necessities of life. COVID-19 has affected everyone at some level. Understanding the effects it has on a patient's mental health is essential. Ozdin and Ozdin (2020) “state women and individuals with previous mental illnesses are most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.” This study measured depression, anxiety, and health anxiety levels during the pandemic. Chew et al. (2020) “studied psychosocial responses of the general population towards previous severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemics.” Common themes were found: anxiety, fear, depression, anger, guilt, grief, and loss. The takeaway is focus needs placed on awareness of psychosocial needs and access to psychological help during the COVID-19 outbreak. This evidence-based project (EBP) aims to identify the effect COVID-19 has had on symptoms of depression in the adult population. Participants were each given a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and quantitative survey at their initial visit. Current patients of family practice, age 18 and older, were invited to participate in this evidence-based project (EBP), and informed consent will be signed that outlines the project. Participants received a follow-up call six weeks later. During this call, participants received the PHQ-9 questionnaire again, and a survey was constructed to determine the benefit of the handout. Their pre-COVID PHQ-9 was compared with their current PHQ-9 to determine the effects of COVID-19 on trending depressive symptoms in this population. This study analyzed survey trend results to understand better the long-term mental health effects of COVID-19 on the adult population. Results showed an increase in participants' PHQ-9 scores during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic PHQ-9s. PHQ-9s are done post- intervention demonstrated guided imagery is beneficial in reducing depression. The spiritual information that participants took also showed beneficial for participants. There are few studies currently available as this is a new pandemic. This study and more like it are needed better to understand the effects of COVID-19 on mental health.en-USCovid-19depressionThesis