Impact of COVID 19 Pandemic on Psychological Wellbeing and Suicide

Abstract

The outbreak of Covid-19 came to light in December 2019 with the emergence of unexplained fever and pneumonia. In a matter of few months, the disease had spread to various countries worldwide and was labelled as a pandemic. The causative organism behind tis pandemic is the novel corona virus. Authorities in the entire world have taken drastic steps to control the spread of pandemic and protect the citizens. Strict isolation, quarantine, and lockdowns were imposed in almost every country around the globe. Individuals were confined to their home for days together resulting in disruption of normal routine and intense mental stress. During the pandemic everyday activities were disturbed, and people also suffered huge-economic losses. Due to the reduction in interpersonal contact and social activities, various mental health problems, psychological issues emerged and in some countries many suicides were reported. Health-care workers have undergone a lot of stress, intense long shifts and sleepless nights in taking care of the Covid-19 patients. During such situations of uncertainty importance of mental health awareness is very crucial. Simple steps for behavior changes and inculcating mindfulness into everyday routine can make significant changes towards a positive mental health. Taking steps towards mental hygiene and seeking support from mental health-care workers has played a remarkable role in this regard. However, due to the presence of pandemic routine personal health care became less accessible to the general public. This crisis has paved the path towards development and acceptance of digital psychiatry as a mode of treatment. In this review paper an attempt has been made to provide an overview of the mental health awareness of people during the pandemic, emotional well-being during lockdown, prevention of suicide, and emergence of digital psychiatry during the Covid-19 pandemic.