Psychosocial Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown

Page: 55-62
K.P. Naachimuthu1, S. Ganga2, and P.M. Mathiyoli3 (Department of Psychology, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu1,2 and School of Excellence in Law, Chennai, Tamil Nadu3)

Homo sapiens who originated on this Earth, a few million years ago are the only known advanced intelligent race in the Cosmos. Being evolved with a hard-wired impulse for connection, these social beings are now forced to lock themselves in isolation to contain the infectious virus which is wiping out a significant number of this species. Adhering to the strict rules and regulations across the world prohibits people from having social connections, which will severely impair the mental health, affect the economy, and alters the societal structure. This article analyses the impact that lockdown and social distancing have on the mental health of the people and its long term effects on different walks of life. It also brings to the forefront the various societal changes that happened during the lockdown and analyses the probable changes that are yet to come in the near future. This article will also give a glimpse on the new normal in practice and will make the readers think / reflect on a longer time-scale about the society which is being reconstructed, and the succeeding impacts of changes that are being imposed in the society.