The impact of the COVID-19 epidemic goes beyond the direct consequences of the infectious disease, as the preventive measures to contain the spread have significantly affected various aspects of people's lives. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, people in Slovenia have faced various rapid and unforeseen changes, including rising costs and natural disasters, exacerbating the impact of the epidemic on their mental health and psychological well-being. The coincidence of COVID-19 and subsequent crises represents a multi-layered risk factor potentially contributing to higher risk for suicidal ideation and behavior.
Our study aimed to investigate the long-term psychological consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic and other crises and disasters on the mental health and psychological well-being of Slovenian adults.
We conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 24 participants with an average age of 49 years (min = 22, max = 76). Using a qualitative methodology, we explored their experiences of the epidemic and other crises and disasters and the impact of these events on their mental health and well-being.
Based on Grounded theory, our qualitative analysis distilled participants' narratives into preliminary categories describing mental health amid COVID-19 and other crises and disasters. During the epidemic, general feelings crystallised as a category capturing prevalent emotions such as uncertainty, fear and anxiety. Specific feelings revealed more intense emotions due to the unpredictability and lack of control over the evolving situation, including fear for financial stability. Short-term consequences emphasised immediate effects on mental health, while long-term consequences, which occurred during successive crises and disasters, represented the lasting psychological effects. These consequences included a deep, overwhelming sense of lack of freedom and the loss of a basic sense of security. The categories provide a nuanced understanding of the psychological challenges among Slovenian adults in the face of crises and disasters.

By supplementing our preliminary findings with further qualitative analyses, this study contributes significantly to the understanding of Slovenian adults' experiences in various crises. The insights gained will contribute to the development and implementation of targeted interventions aimed at maintaining and strengthening the mental health of adults in similar situations, potentially mitigating the increased risk of suicidality.