A Lifestyle Disorder that Spared Nobody: Mental Health and COVID-19

Abstract

AbstractThe authors discuss the mental health problems that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health manifested as a lifestyle disorder that is being experienced by everybody all around the world. The authors discuss a range of mental health problems that are due to COVID-19. Their prevalence and implications are assessed. In order to provide perspective, research from India and other countries is cited. The causes and consequences of mental health problems associated with COVID-19 are analyzed.In India, mental health problems were on the rise even before the pandemic. The pandemic, however, greatly exacerbated these problems. Stress, anxiety, and depression became a part of everyone’s life. No one was spared. Strong public health measures to contain the pandemic including the prohibition of movement and isolation took their toll. Being away from work, school, and peers, adjusting to new ways of working and learning, and dealing with job loss were all stressful. Fake news and miscommunication further fueled the problem.A large section of the population was forced to re-invent its workplace, often in unfavorable environments, resulting in a deep sense of unease. Research shows that because of uncertainties related to finances, work pressure, and jobs, there was a rise in the number of cases of mental illness. The number of suicides also increased. Research in India and other countries underscores that COVID-19 compounded all these problems. Stringent public health measures imposed by all governments, although necessary for containing the pandemic, had a major impact on the psychological state of people. Fear, anxiety, and anger are some of its psychological consequences. Anxiety producing information in the media accentuated these problems.Pre-occupation with the pandemic resulted in a neglect of the mental well-being of the patients, healthcare professionals, and frontline workers. This caused psychological distress that varied from panic attacks and collective hysteria to pervasive feelings of hopelessness and desperation including suicidal behavior. The psychological wellness of individuals was influenced unfavorably by lifestyle changes caused by the pandemic that included isolation, limited mobility, social stigma, and ever-spreading misinformation and fake news on web-based platforms.Violence against women and girls was also exacerbated during the pandemic. Violence took place not only within the home but also in other spaces. Violence was severe among migrant workers, health workers, and sex workers. The authors underscore the urgent need for setting- up hotlines, crises centers, shelters, legal-aid, and counseling services.The pandemic might be the much-needed wake-up call to make long-term improvements in India’s healthcare system. It offers an opportunity for India to take greater cognizance of mental health problems and to integrate services to address these problems within the primary healthcare system.