"Pandemonium of the pandemic": Impact of COVID-19 in India, focus on mental health

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global health threat, with every nation facing unique challenges during the outbreak. Such pandemics are much beyond biological phenomena. They have psychosocial and economic implications that might long outlast the infection itself. India recently crossed 50,000 cases and is undergoing a historic nationwide lockdown in an attempt to control the outbreak. Considering the sociocultural diversity, limited public health resources, increasing psychological comorbidities, and substantial number of vulnerable populations (e.g., homeless, migrants), the subcontinent is facing unprecedented challenges at all fronts. This commentary glances at the COVID-19 scenario in India through the psychosocial lens, highlights the strategies so far, and discusses the recommended ways ahead.