Psycho-Social and Mental Health Associated with the Pandemic

The pandemic has caused havoc in over 200 countries globally. The containment measures and lockdowns due to the pandemic have induced major changes in the day-to-day lives of individuals across the globe. Psychologists, counsellors and mental health professionals play a very important role to curb the consequences of the Pandemic on various psychosocial and mental health fronts. There is global fear, anxiety and distress associated with the Pandemic. The uncertainty, unpredictability & heightened stress have proliferated the number of psychologically disordered patients. However, the Pandemic being overstretched and of an extremely long period has given rise to increase in stress, anxiety, depression and feelings of uncertainty and panic in a large number of persons across the globe which in turn, has led to a number of Psychosocial and mental health issues. The other factors which impact the mental health include media coverage and environmental factors etc. The media coverage of COVID-19 has contributed to the already heightened anxiety. Further, those who stay alone and having poor support find themselves to be helpless and insecure in the current scenario. Fear of the unknown and uncertainty over daily living, contracting the virus, not having easy access to essential services has heightened the anxiety in the individuals. Social support and the experience of being involved in a social group, where people mutually support each other as well as providing the material and moral support by the family, friends and relatives leads to better mental health in the affected victims. Constructive peer-support, effective online health service and early screening and interventions are necessary to address mental health issues. The holistic approach through social organisations, care-givers, families, media and charities can minimize the negative impact of COVID-19. In view of the current health crisis, meaningful telephone conversation by the healthcare providers can ensure the physical, mental and social health requirements of the affected patients. Online or telephonic cognitive behaviour therapy, supportive sessions can reduce the loneliness, fear of illness, improvement of well-being, and mental health of the affected persons. The psychological impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic will continue for an indefinite period. Hence, it is all the more important and relevant that psychologists and mental health professionals closely monitor all these areas to provide specialized intervention. Psychologists need to ensure that mental health awareness programmes are integrated with psychological intervention to help not only the infected but also their family and other vulnerable sections of the society.