The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mental health: A study from rural population of Haryana, India

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 and was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, a global threat has largely affected the country’s economic and social values. Moreover, the mitigation strategies being used to counterattack the pandemic attributes a lot of unrest and stress in the masses which has led to several mental health problems like anxiety, depression, sleep loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. Objective: In this study, the impact of lockdown on mental health and its related disorders was observed. Method: A total of 367 patients from 69 villages of Narwana sub-division, Haryana, India was included in this study and their mental health status was assessed using Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Out of the 367 mental health-related patients, half of them (~ 48%) showed the signs of depression ranging from mild to severe. Also, 40% of the patients showed signs and symptoms of anxiety, fear and stress and (~15%) showed signs of sleep loss. Women (~58%) were significantly found to be more prone to mental illness and psychiatric disorders than men (~42%). This study also reports the increase in domestic violence cases during the lockdown period. The study presents a clear understanding that although lockdown and social isolation helps in achieving the goal of reducing infections, a restricted access of social support systems leads to loneliness and various mental issues including anxiety and depression. Conclusion: We conclude that COVID-19 is a big threat to women safety and health especially in rural population and as the crisis evolves and continues, it is very essential to raise awareness and psychological counseling among the masses.

Attitudes and perceptions towards public health safety measures during a global health crisis: Social and personal consequences

“…Similar to previous research on isolation and mental health, it was evident that our participants experienced negative psychosocial effects during this time [38][39][40]. Many of our participants discussed feeling stressed, anxious and depressed each week as a result of social isolation and the unknown of the COVID-19 pandemic [52]. Some participants also indicated somatic complaints, such as back and neck tension [53].…”

“…Fisher and colleagues [51] reported that coping strategies and bereavement behaviors were stunted by the stressors of the pandemic and NPIs. Further, Chhabra and colleagues [52] reported that the practice of socially isolating NPIs leads to increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress, and aggression and that these increases could explain the expansion of instances of domestic violence. Sleep quality and duration also diminished as a result of stress or negative emotions caused by living through the social isolation brought on by NPIs [53].…”