Impact of Pandemic on Mental Health Indian Perspective: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Pandemic has led to unparalleled hazards to the mental health globally. In India pandemic resulted a huge impact on the mental health of people and include both positive and negative impacts. The National lockdowns have given an opportunity to study at home and work from home which intern lead to a family togetherness and build relationships. But this is the story of only one side of the coin. Mental health of millions of children has been put at risk with at least one in seven forced to remain at home under nationwide public health orders. People have been struck at home for more than nine months since the beginning of this pandemic. It has been very difficult for the parents to calm their children’s anxieties because of the uncertainty and stress in them. The psychological difficulties like insomnia problems in having a good sleep and concentrating have been seen common during the pandemic. Some are at the greatest risk of developing intense reactions and suicidal tendencies. The COVID-19 is associated with significant levels of psychological distress that, in many cases, would meet the threshold for clinical relevance. Mitigating the hazardous effects of COVID-19 on mental health is an international public health priority. However, progressively significant work is being done to increase awareness about mental health and to strengthen mental health services in India. For example, the Government of India has initiated programs like the National Mental Health Program and District Mental Health Program During the initial lockdown period, under the mandate of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, the three central mental health institutions, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences and Central Institute of Psychiatry initiated a national helpline to provide support for mental health concerns arising out of COVID-19. This systematic review conducted on Scopus, Web of sciences, Google scholar etc. examined the psychological status of the general public in India during the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the associated risk factors. A high prevalence of adverse psychiatric symptoms was reported in most studies which include high rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychological distress and stress.