Psychological factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic: A review

Pages: 35-38
Anuja Deshpande (Department of Psychology, ManibenNanavati Women’s College, Mumbai, Maharashtra)
Gauri Sarda Joshi (Social Psychologist, Pune, Maharashtra)

With the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to impact the world, it is imperative to recognizeit’s impact on mental health. Studies from various parts of the world show that the measures necessary to curb the virus have their own impact on people, as do the factors associated with risk and loss. Major impacts are seen in terms of increased anxiety and stress, with vulnerable populations, marginalized populations, and those already combating mental health issues being the most at risk. Isolation and loneliness are also serious concerns as they are shown to be related with other negative health and mental health outcomes. Recommendations of how to deal with the stress and emotional response to the ongoing restrictions are presented.