COVID-19 brings along a 'mental health pandemic'?

Coronavirus pandemic has severely affected the psychology of people, health experts report a sharp rise in the number of people seeking mental health care since the COVID-19 outbreak, the online mental health consultations have increased by 180% in last 4 months, its time to work on the mental health of people or else India might face a 'mental health pandemic ',experts warn.

As the COVID-19 wave sweeps strongly across the country, mental health experts say the pandemic has adversely affected the mental health

1. COVID-19 has affected the mental health

A recent study shows how the pandemic triggered panic attacks among those who tested positive for the virus, causing bouts of depression and even driving some to the brink of suicide.

2. The pandemic is causing panic attacks,bouts of depression and driving some people to the brink of suicide

According to experts, nervousness, fear of contamination, panic attacks, constant reassurance seeking behaviour, sleep disturbance, excessive worry, feelings of helplessness and probability of an economic slowdown are the major factors leading to depression and anxiety among the people.

3. Nervousness, fear of disease and economic slowdown are leading to depression

Potential job losses, financial burden, uncertainty about the future and fears of running out of food and necessities add to the worries.

4. Job losses and uncertainty about the future are adding to the worries

Online platforms too have seen a growing number of people seeking help for mental health issues, ranging from anxiety and loneliness to concerns over productivity and job loss since the outbreak of COVID-19.

5. People are seeking help for mental health issues since Covid-19 outbreak

Mental Health experts report a sharp rise in the number of people seeking mental health care since April soon after the pandemic broke out

6. Mental health experts report a sharp rise in number of people seeking mental health care

People are facing loneliness and anxiety in the time of crisis specially in the cities where the caseloads are high.The fear of getting infected is affecting to the mental wellbeing

7. Lockdown contributed to the feeling of loneliness and insecurity

Doctors say most of the people who seem to be physically healthy are not absolutely stressfree, major per cent of the population is facing the pressure of the pandemic

8. Most of the physically healthy people are also feeling the stress

A number of organisations working towards mental health are involved in free counselling throughout India since the pandemic started taking toll on to the mental health of people

9.More and more people are seeking counseling for the disturbed mental health

Study also found that the Covid-19 warriors involved directly with the management of the covid battle are also feeling the requirement of mental health care

10. COVID warriors are also feeling the mental pressure

Mental health experts' recommendation not to deploy the vulnerable in the police force, especially those above 50 years and women personnel with children below five years for COVID-19 related duty, was accepted and implemented by the Punjab government.

11. Mental health experts recommend non deployment of vulnerable staff in COVID-19 related duty

Psychiatrists feel that further worsening situations could lead to severe mental health issues, even triggering suicidal tendencies.

12. Further worsening situations could lead to severe mental health issues

"The situation is serious. There should be counselling at three stages--on coping with the virus, how to face it if tested positive and how to face life once treated and discharged from the hospital," psychiatrist Dr.Rajan said

13. Doctors suggest a three stage counselling session for people suffering mental disorders

Awareness was of paramount importance, he said and warned the pandemic could cause panic attacks while in hospital or drive them to the brink of suicide.

14. Pandemic could cause panic attacks and suicidal behavior:experts

Health platform, Lybrate reported an increase of 180 per cent in online patient consultations related to mental health on its platform between March 1 and June 20 across the country.

15. The online mental health consultations increased by 180% in last 4 months

The biggest jump was witnessed in the age group of 25 and 45 years.Experts warn of a bigger mental health pandemic if the situation is not attended to in time

16. India might face a mental health crisis if the situation is not resolved