Social Justice
Impact of Covid Vaccination on Mental Health
- 18 Dec 2023
- 4 min read
For Prelims: Impact of Covid Vaccination on Mental Health, Mental Health, Covid-19, National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC), National Tele Mental Health Programme.
For Mains: Impact of Covid Vaccination on Mental Health, Status of Mental Healthcare in India, Government Initiatives Related to Mental Health, Population and associated issues.
Why in News?
Some studies have suggested a lower incidence of Mental Health issues among vaccinated individuals compared to the unvaccinated post-Covid-19 infection.
- The additional risk of depression at 6 months following Covid-19 was 449 per 100,000 among vaccinated individuals, while it was 1009 per 100,000 among the unvaccinated.
How Severe was the Issue of Mental Health after Covid-19?
- Anxiety and Depression:
- Individuals who survived Covid-19 hospitalization faced persistent mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, lasting at least a year post-recovery.
- Long Covid, affecting about 5% of individuals regardless of its severity, overlaps with these mental health conditions, adding to the burden.
- Increased Burden on Healthcare Systems:
- The burden of mental health issues post-Covid-19 added strain to healthcare systems, requiring additional resources for diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals facing these challenges.
- Children and Vulnerable Groups Affected:
- School closures, disrupted routines, and limited social interaction affected children's mental health, leading to increased anxiety and other psychological challenges.
- Marginalized populations faced compounded challenges due to socioeconomic disparities, leading to increased mental health vulnerabilities.
- Isolation and Grief Amplifying Mental Health Issues:
- Social isolation, limited access to communication devices, domestic stress, and grief from the loss of friends and relatives to Covid-19 amplified mental health challenges, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly.
What is the link Between Mental Health and Vaccination?
- Reduction in Mental Health Challenges:
- The reduction in mental health issues among vaccinated individuals was observed irrespective of whether they had a prior history of mental illness.
- This suggests that vaccination's impact on mental health outcomes was independent of pre-existing conditions.
- Reduced Anxiety:
- Vaccination created a sense of safety and decreased anxiety among individuals.
- Feeling protected against severe illness or death from Covid-19 contributed to lower levels of anxiety and stress associated with the pandemic.
What is the Status of Mental Health Illness in India?
- About:
- Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, encompassing their overall mental and emotional state.
- It involves a person's ability to cope with stress, manage their emotions, maintain healthy relationships, work productively, and make rational decisions.
- Mental health is an integral part of overall health and well-being, just as important as physical health.
- Status in India:
- In India, according to National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences data, more than 80% of people do not access care services for a multitude of reasons, ranging from lack of knowledge, stigma and high cost of care.
- The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion (WHO).
- In India, according to National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences data, more than 80% of people do not access care services for a multitude of reasons, ranging from lack of knowledge, stigma and high cost of care.
- Government Initiatives Related to Mental Health:
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:
Mains
Q. Why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society? (2023)
