Mental health and COVID-1919: A review on post-pandemic mental health implications and its response in the context of India

ABSTRACT

Background - Mental health care and concerns are usually overlooked when there are limited resources available to contain the pandemic. In this global COVID-19 crisis, mental health issues have increased and became one of the most underrated and widespread health concerns globally. Objectives - This study is an attempt to review the existing mental health concerns in the post-pandemic era through various strategies related to mental health care and global experiences with special emphasis on the context of India. By reviewing existing evidence, this study proposes recommendations and conceptual framework for mental health concerns in the pandemic. Methodology - The researchers have searched through Google Scholar and various electronic databases like PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, etc. with the search terms like "psychiatry", "mental health", "COVID-19", "Coronavirus", "SARS-CoV-2", "anxiety", "stress", "depression", etc. in several combinations. They compiled information from published magazines, newspaper articles, journals, official websites of several NGOs and institutions and web pages, press releases, verified pages on social media, etc. Results - Some of the common health concerns reported were anxiety, stress, insomnia, depression, anger, denial, and fear. Some of the most vulnerable groups were older people and children, people with current mental health problems, and frontline workers. Suicide attempts were also very common amidst the pandemic. A lot of measures are taken across the world to address issues related to mental health by using intervention strategies and guidelines. Social media has played a great role in this context. State-sponsored intervention, toll-free numbers to address behavioral and psychological problems and tele-psychiatry consultations have been provided by the Indian government. Conclusion - A need-based intervention approach is needed that is specific to vulnerable groups with a positive approach and risk management strategies at par with epidemiology of Coronavirus evolving these days. Prioritization and planning of mental health care would be instrumental in serving the most vulnerable population. © 2022 International Journal of Health Sciences. All rights reserved.