The global Covid-19 pandemic has had significant repercussions on various aspects of life, notably mental health. A growing body of evidence suggests that vaccinated individuals seem to suffer less from post-Covid-19 mental health issues than their unvaccinated counterparts. This article seeks to explore the impact of Covid-19 on mental health, focusing on the benefits of vaccination and the current state of mental healthcare in India.
Impact of Covid-19 Vaccination on Mental Health
Recent studies have identified a correlation between Covid-19 vaccination and incidences of mental health issues. The risk of depression six months post-Covid-19 infection was found to be lower among vaccinated individuals compared to the unvaccinated ones. Specifically, the risk was 449 per 100,000 among vaccinated individuals as opposed to 1009 per 100,000 among the unvaccinated.
Mental Health Concerns Post Covid-19 Infection
People who survived hospitalization due to Covid-19 commonly faced enduring mental health challenges like anxiety and depression at least a year following their recovery. These overlapping conditions exacerbated the situation for those affected by Long Covid – a condition affecting about 5% of infected persons regardless of the disease’s severity. Furthermore, the additional burden of mental health issues substantially strained healthcare systems, requiring further resources to cater to affected individuals.
Effect on Children and Vulnerable Groups
Disrupted routines, school closures, and limited social interactions led to an increase in anxiety and other psychological issues among children. The marginalized populations were hit harder due to their socio-economic disparities, resulting in heightening mental health vulnerabilities. Social isolation, grief due to the loss of loved ones, limited access to communication devices, and domestic stress amplified these mental health issues.
Link Between Vaccination and Mental Health
A reduction in mental health challenges among vaccinated individuals was noted regardless of their previous history of mental health issues. This implies that the impact on mental health outcomes is independent of pre-existing conditions. Additionally, vaccination induced a feeling of safety and lowered anxiety levels, as people felt protected against severe illness or death due to Covid-19.
Status of Mental Health in India
Mental health, an essential component of overall health, reveals a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being—encompassing their overall mental state and their ability to deal with stress, manage emotions, maintain healthy relationships, work productively, and make sound decisions. In India, as per data from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, over 80% of people don’t access care services due to lack of knowledge, stigma, and high cost of care. The economic loss attributed to mental health conditions between 2012 and 2030 is projected at USD 1.03 trillion according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Government Initiatives Related to Mental Health
To address these escalating mental health concerns, the Indian government has undertaken several initiatives. These include the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC), National Tele Mental Health Programme, Kiran Helpline, Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, and Yuva Spandana Yojana (Karnataka). These programmes aim to provide holistic mental health care, create awareness, reduce stigma, and offer affordable treatment options. Despite these efforts, India is still grappling with mental healthcare challenges such as rising suicide rates among young women, highlighting the need for more focused and comprehensive interventions.