Mental Health and Stigmatization Linked to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has reached an entirely new level of severity. It has jolted the entire world and caused pervasive chaos. A significant portion of the psychological responses thus far have been reactions to events in other countries, worries about the future, and responses to confinement. Initial and prominent responses to the pandemic in India have been appalling, with a sense of impending and palpable danger. Concerns based on facts coexist with those based on the abundance of information and misinformation disseminated by the media, particularly social media. Even with the stringent requirements for testing, many individuals still seek reassurance through testing. Despite the lack of general indications for their use, they stockpile pharmaceuticals out of dread of contracting the disease. In addition to recommendations regarding hand cleansing, there are uncertainties regarding whether to wear a mask, the type of mask to use, the distance to be maintained, and how to disinfect surfaces. There are legitimate concerns regarding employment losses and economic decline during and after the pandemic. Social isolation and social prejudice are not synonymous. Maintaining a distance of 1-2 meters is permissible for security purposes. In terms of status and opportunities, everyone should be treated equally. The situation calls for a cheerful tone of speech. Using expressions such as "the end of the world" and "the plague" is discouraged. Contamination caused by rumors must be avoided. It is essential to promote early detection and prevention. Those who have been afflicted with COVID-19 must share their accounts of compassion and struggle. Before COVID-19, only a minority of individuals with mental health issues were treated. According to studies, the pandemic has widened the mental health treatment divide, and outpatient mental health services have been particularly disrupted.