Covid-19 Helpline Numbers (India): National and State-Level

It is critical for symptomatic coronavirus patients or those with a travel history to avoid mixing with others or waiting in a normal hospital queue. If you require support with a Covid-19 infection (Novel Corona Virus), there are national and state-level helpline numbers available.

The Indian government is taking all necessary precautions to guarantee that we are well-prepared to face the challenge and threat posed by COVID 19, the CoronaVirus, which is spreading across the country.

Coronavirus Helpline Numbers of States & Union Territories (UTs)

Threats and challenges that have been posed:

Mental health risks in the community

Since the pandemic was revealed, essential services such as kindergarten, schools, and normal medical care have been disrupted or reduced at the neighbourhood level. Hospital services have been reorganised in several nations, with interim care being used (including re-assigning doctors and nurses not usually involved in critical care). Inpatient and day-care institutions have closed, partially closed, or limited services, with outpatient contacts reduced to emergency situations only in certain regions. Because of the risk of infection, some hospitals have been unable to admit new inpatients. The possibility of infected patients in isolated wards infecting personnel and other patients has raised concerns. Because most resources are allocated into ICU and somatic care, there have been concerns about a future shortage of suitable resources for mental health services. Importantly, even child protection services and currently existent juvenile welfare agency support or supervision programmes have been disrupted or terminated. Lack of access to these fundamental services can be especially damaging to children and/or families who are already vulnerable.

Challenges within the families

The epidemic has caused a reorganisation of daily life at the household level. The stress of quarantine and social isolation must be dealt with by all members of the family.School closures have resulted in homeschooling and the possible postponing of exams. Parents have been under increasing pressure to work from home in order to keep their jobs and businesses running while also caring for their school-aged children at home, especially with caregiver resources such as grandparents and extended family restricted. It’s possible that family ties and help will be jeopardised. The worry of losing family members who belong to a high-risk group can intensify. In the case of death, the epidemic disrupts families’ traditional bereavement traditions. Grieving and sadness for lost family members can lead to adjustment problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and even suicide in adults and children, especially when communication with the sick person is restricted or prohibited.

Child maltreatment and domestic violence

In addition, during economic downturns, there is a considerable increase in domestic violence. Loss of income and financial difficulties can lead to feelings of financial stress and, as a result, marital conflict. Quarantine can lead to a loss of freedom and privacy, as well as increased stress. It may also exacerbate abusers’ existing controlling habits as they try to reclaim control. Victims’ chances of temporarily escaping abusive spouses are diminished as their exposure to perpetrators increases. There have been reports from all across the world concerning a major upsurge in domestic violence during the present COVID-19 situation. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called attention to a “horrifying global surge in domestic abuse.” Domestic abuse has a significant influence on children’s mental health and can have long-term consequences.

Risks connected with quarantine

Aside from the financial strain, COVID-19 pandemic-related quarantine in numerous nations could have a negative impact on mental health. Samantha Brooks and colleagues noted in a recent analysis of the psychological consequences of isolation that post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) occur in 28 to 34 percent of participants in quarantine, and fear in 20 percent. Depression, poor mood, irritation, insomnia, anger, and emotional tiredness are some of the other mental health issues associated with confinement.

Conclusion:

The current epidemic, as well as the restrictions that have resulted as a result of it, pose major mental health dangers. Children’s and adolescent psychiatrists must ensure continuity of care throughout the pandemic. COVID-19-related mental health issues will disproportionately affect children and adolescents who are already poor and disadvantaged.In order to be better prepared for future developments, research is needed to analyse the effects of policies taken to contain the epidemic on the mental health of children and adolescents, as well as to quantify the risk/benefit ratio of interventions like home schooling.