covid-19

Mental Health in Kolkata After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot about how we live, work, and feel. Many people in Kolkata, like everywhere else, have struggled with their mental health because of it. Let’s talk about how the pandemic affected mental health and what we can do to feel better.


How COVID-19 Affected Our Minds

During the pandemic, many people in Kolkata felt scared, lonely, or sad. Some were worried about getting sick, while others missed seeing friends and family. Schools were closed, jobs were lost, and everything felt uncertain.

For people who had COVID-19, many struggled even after they got better. A study found that 4 out of 10 COVID survivors in Kolkata felt anxious or sad for a long time.

During the worst time of the pandemic in 2021, more people in Kolkata were so overwhelmed that they harmed themselves. Thankfully, this has become less common, but we still need to take care of our minds.


Who Was Hurt the Most?

Some groups of people found it especially hard:

  • Older People: Many elderly people were alone during lockdowns and felt scared or helpless.
  • Young People: Kids and teens missed their friends and school. Older students worried about jobs and their future.

What Do the Numbers Say about Mental Health in Kolkata?

Surveys show that about 1 in 8 people in West Bengal has a mental health issue. This includes:

  • Stress and Worry: 3.5%
  • Depression: 2.7%
  • Fear of Certain Things (Phobias): 1.9%
  • Severe Mental Illness: 1.8%

These numbers are higher than in many other states, so we need to work together to help people feel better.

Read more about the research here


What Can We Do?

Mental health experts in Kolkata suggest these ideas:

  • Talk About It: Don’t be afraid to talk about mental health. It’s okay to ask for help.
  • Online Therapy: If you can’t go to a clinic, online counseling is a great option.
  • Community Support: Joining groups or talking to neighbors can help reduce loneliness.

Moving Forward for Mental Health in Kolkata

The pandemic showed us how important it is to take care of our minds, not just our bodies. While some things are getting better, there’s still work to do. By helping each other and learning more about mental health, we can build a stronger, happier Kolkata.

Let’s remember: It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s never too late to feel better.

For more understanding about Nutrition in Mental health read this article

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