**Abstract**

The pandemic COVID-19 is a global challenge which has infected and killed people worldwide. Some people do not show any symptom while some have fever, cough, sore throat, general weakness and fatigue and muscular pain and in most severe cases, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock all leading to death. It has adversely affected the economy and social integrity of countries. There is rising concern about the mental health challenges of the general population (children, adults, or elderly), along with health workers and family of infected people. This study aims to determine effect of COVID-19 on mental health of people in India. It also focuses on the stigma and discriminating factors in our society and ways to cope with such conditions. A structured survey was conducted with 250 participants of different age groups. Our analysis focuses on the factors affecting mental health of any person, changes in behavior and daily routine due to stress, anxiety or fear of transmission of virus in their family and friends, some are worried for their lifestyle and career. There is a need to understand that pandemic is affecting everyone, either physically or mentally. There must be increase in the study of the aspects of mental health during the pandemic and methods to cope with issues like discrimination for better mental health during pandemic period.

**Keywords:** adaptive coping, COVID-19, pandemic, resilience, stigma

#### **1. Introduction**

Along with great increase in mortality and morbidity due to this pandemic in India, COVID-19 has caused mental health issues among general population, children, adults, elderly, migrant workers, healthcare workers and their families. As per a study performed to assess the youth mental health after COVID-19 in China, it is observed that mental health problems are majorly found in youth group. This study indicates that low education level, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and negative coping styles were the influence factors of youth mental health [1].

A recent study indicates that structured websites and toll free helpline numbers may be launched for alleviating psychological distress among the general public regarding this ongoing pandemic. Social media is to be used in good sense so that people can get education regarding transmission dynamics and symptoms of disease. To protect social media from devaluations, strict government laws and

legislation regarding fake news, social media rumors, disinformation and misinformation are to be implemented [2].

It is important to understand different reasons of mental health issues, ways in which they are affecting our society and resilience of people and the ways they try to cope up with such situations. Therefore, the current study will aim to show impact of COVID-19 on mental health of people in India.

Human beings are social species which require most satisfying environment with social relationship and physical well beings. The pandemic has affected lifestyle, education, career, development and economy in few months as there has been sudden increase in number of patients. Isolation, contact restrictions and economic shutdown impose a complete change to the psycho-social environment. These measures have the potential to threaten the mental health of children, adolescent and elders significantly.

#### **2. Mental health issues during COVID-19**

During COVID-19 pandemic, people were bound to stay at home and maintain social distancing. This sudden change in their lifestyle along with fear of COVID-19 created discomfort in their life. Long term anxiousness and fear leads to negative psychological effects including post-traumatic stress symptoms, confusion and anger. Personality disorders and Alzheimer's disease, irritability, restlessness, difficulty in concentration, fatigue, dizziness are also some psychological disorders.

As pandemic was spreading rapidly, complete lockdown had been implemented at most of the places and due to non-availability of transport system people were not able to move around. People from various age groups are reporting loneliness as they were away from their family members. A study revealed that depression, anxiety, and stress play an important role in enhancing the fear of COVID-19.

The general population can experience the fear and anxiety of dying, helplessness, blame the people who are already affected and precipitate the mental breakdown. Let us briefly discuss the impact of COVID-19 on different age groups.

#### **2.1 Children**

Unaware of everything happening young children are enjoying the company of their family members with no efforts of going school. As children were not permitted to play outside home they feel irritated sometimes sitting at home. They are also curious to know the reason of drastic change in lifestyle as they cannot judge the actual reasons. Some youngsters are happy to stay home, especially those who are family focused. According to a study done over children and adolescents in the age groups of 9 years to 18 years during COVID-19 outbreak in India. Children and adolescents who were under quarantine had faced more psychological problems than those who were not quarantined. Fear (*p* < 0.0001), nervousness (*p* < 0.0001) and annoyance (*p* < 0.001) were most significantly seen in the quarantined group. Anxiety related insomnia, isolation, boredom (not statistically significant) and sadness was also more common in the quarantine group [3].

Teenagers caring most about their privacy, peers and independence are under depression living with their family while younger kids are happy to get much attention. The notion of social distancing becomes difficult for youngsters who think of themselves not getting ill and takes it as restriction. So primarily being unhappy they start being cutoff from other family members, which results their aggressive behaviors. Having healthy conversation can make them understand and

#### *COVID-19 in India: Problems, Challenges and Strategies (Psychological Aspects) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.100111*

they can be given their personal space at home, even can be allowed to play video games and stay connected to their friends through internet.

Children are also worried about their future. Some self motivated kids have set their goals to achieve something during this period. They are busy with video of their interest and some tutorial, but have become physically less active and have much screen time, irregular sleep pattern and less favorable diets resulting in weight gain and loss of cardio-respiratory fitness.
