How the pandemic has exacerbated the Mental health condition of Indians
by Johnson
Thomas, Director of Aasra- an Internationally renowned NGO located in Mumbai,
working in the field of crisis intervention and areas of emotional and mental
health :
Current ongoing research has revealed evidence that COVID-19 pandemic has had profound psychological and social effects which
is expected to last for months, if not years ( and depends entirely on how well
we are able to manage the pandemic). The psychological ill effects on the
population include increasing distress, anxiety, fear of contagion, depression
and insomnia. Unplanned Lockdowns have increased the levels of social isolation,
uncertainty, chronic stress and economic difficulties and this could well lead
to depression, frequent anxiety attacks, increased instances of substance abuse,
domestic violence, suicidal events and other psychiatric disorders in the
vulnerable populations as well as healthcare professionals. Stress-related
psychiatric conditions including mood and substance use disorders are
associated with suicidal behaviour. COVID-19 has taken many lives and even its
survivors may be at an elevated suicide risk. The COVID-19 crisis has also increased
suicide rates during the first two waves and people could well be vulnerable
even after the pandemic. Hence Mental health issues and suicidal behaviour are
likely to be prevalent for a long time. To reduce suicides during the COVID-19
crisis, it is imperative to decrease stress, anxiety, fears and loneliness in
the general population. The Government must play the leading role in not only
encouraging citizens to avail of available professional help but also increase
its investment in developing mental health infrastructure throughout the
country. There should be traditional and social media campaigns to promote
mental health and reduce distress. Active outreach is necessary, especially for
people with a history of psychiatric disorders, COVID-19 survivors and older
adults. There must also be an increased allocation of funds into research on mental
health consequences and how these can be offset by a well-co-ordinated and
organised Mental Health and Suicide Prevention strategy in order to bring the affected
population back from the brink.
NGO's can’t do everything. They can provide food,
mental health support, help strengthen communities but they cannot be a crutch
for a system that fails to take care of its own. Their services are mainly concentrated
around offering support in a welfare state. NGOs have limited resources and the
problem of mental health needs strong institutional, corporate and governmental
efforts. Mental health issues are increasing at a pace that NGOs alone can't
manage. The post pandemic world has thrown up even more mental health
challenges. So unless concerted efforts from the Top are forthcoming we are
going to live in a world where an unmanageable number of people are going to be
affected.
One thing I can share is that the profile of the
caller has changed since the pandemic. Earlier we had a lot more students and
young adults battling depression and suicidal ideation due to peer pressure,
exams, results, broken romances or relationship problems. But now we get calls
from people of all age groups struggling with survival/existential issues ;
Unemployment, loss of jobs and income, huge unpayable debts, inability to
provide food or shelter for their loved ones. The current economic climate has
driven the marginalized, the middle class and in some cases, even the so called
rich into crisis after crisis from which they see no way out. In order to augment
their losses a large number of young people even fall prey to online scams –be
it betting apps or other forms of online lures amounting to frauds.
Most suicide prevention centres are doing their best
to save lives but it's nowhere near enough. The government needs to be more
proactive about its mental health goals. The Mental health program needs a
huge
influx of funds in order to create, build and support sustainable systems that
care for those disadvantaged by mental health issues. And only a government
that cares for its people can do that. A National Suicide Prevention
Strategy is the need of the hour. As of now there is no such universal strategy
in place. Mental health services are also not easily accessible and wherever
they are, it’s too expensive for the common man to avail of. So, much more is
needed to be done where mental health services are concerned.
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