Impact of covid-19 pandemic and lockdown on mental health in india and mental health interventions: a literature review

COVID-19 pandemic is turning out to be a major stressor for most of the people. Mental health is a crucial aspect that needs to be addressed during this pandemic. Millions of people in India has pushed into forced isolation and unemployment during this coronavirus crisis. In India, mental health issues following the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown are varied, from simple fear to depression and even suicide. The lockdown and social distancing have also led to several changes in activities of daily living, which ultimately responsible for many mental health issues like fear, distress feeling of emptiness, panic, sleeplessness, nightmares, irritation, various anxieties, depression and suicide. It is necessary to educate all health care providers including community leaders and common people for early assessment of mental health issues and train them with basic psychological and Mental health first Aid (MHFA), which may be helpful to decrease the rate of mental health crisis during this pandemic.