Abstract
Objective: To investigate the implications on mental health due to outbreaks and pandemics, focusing on Covid-19. Bibliographic review: The current presence of Covid-19, in addition to other previous pandemics/epidemics or other globally affected events, is an important cause of negative impacts on the population's mental health, triggering or aggravating symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, fear, and even some mental disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. These symptoms are often reported by essential service workers - healthcare professionals, doormen, supermarket cashiers, etc. - individuals affected by the disease and their families. In addition, the settling of isolation measures as a way of preventing diseases in times of pandemic directly impacts on the mental health of the population as a whole. Little has been reported, however, on the subject. Final considerations: The literature is unanimous regarding that the pandemic causes a negative reaction on the mental health of the entire population, capable to have an adverse effect on the quality of life both individually and collectively.