Study of the Prevalence of Changes in Mental Health Status brought about by the Events of the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020) on an Urban Population through an Online Survey

Objectives: 1. To study the prevalence and extent of mental health changes brought about by the events of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 among the subjects. 2. To study the effects of the events of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health Status of the subject. Justification: The COVID-19 Pandemic has come forth as one of the deadliest outbreaks of a disease known to man. While its implications on physical health have been well elaborated, the impact of the pandemic on mental, social and emotional aspects is bleakly described. The mental health of the general public requires significant focus. Methodology: An online survey was administered through social media platforms among India?s general urban population. The sample included 508 participants who agreed to the informed consent form. The assessment of mental health status (based on standard criteria and definitions) was done through several open and closed-ended questions. Psychological distress related to COVID-19 (anxiety, depression, and peritraumatic stress symptoms) and the openness to approaching counselling were assessed. Quantitative data was assessed through tables and graphs. Open-ended questions were analysed based upon the standard criteria and definitions of good mental health. Result and Implication: While the responses were varied, they indicated a significantly stressful condition among all groups surveyed. Situational anxiety, frustration, and emotional disturbance were common occurrences in response to the changing dynamics of the pandemic. Therefore, mental health services and facilities need to be promoted and better developed. By targeting at-risk groups, increasing the priority of mental health management, by destigmatising myths associated with mental health, such issues can be mitigated.