A cross-case analysis of coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom: the experiences of ethnic minority people with mental health problems.

Objectives: Evidence has highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened ongoing mental health inequity among population groups, such as those with pre-existing mental health problems. This is further compounded for ethnic minority communities. Research emphasises the importance of coping strategies in lessening the negative impacts of the pandemic; however, there is a scarcity of research among ethnic minority communities.

Design: To explore the experiences of coping during the COVID-19 pandemic among ethnic minority individuals with existing mental health difficulties and to identify changes and continuity in coping strategies across two different timepoints. A secondary thematic analysis was conducted of interviews with ethnic minority individuals with mental health conditions, using a cross case comparison approach to analyse interviews conducted at two timepoints during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: Seeking social support, implementing new habits, and self-care approaches to mental health, as well as access to and experience of mental health services, were adaptive coping strategies used, further highlighting the importance of these strategies being culturally sensitive. Several expressed difficulties with access to mental health services.

Conclusions: Whilst the pandemic has ended, this research highlights that there is still a need for future studies exploring the experiences of ethnic minority groups, and focus should be placed on developing solutions that facilitate uptake among people with mental health problems from these communities. This should involve adaptive, culturally appropriate coping strategies and implementing modifications for effective mental health care for future public health crises or other social stressors.