When the world was battling the physical threat of COVID-19, an invisible crisis was unfolding in parallel: the deep psychological toll of the pandemic. As we begin to move beyond the peak of the crisis, the emotional aftermath still lingers—more silent, yet equally urgent. The post-pandemic era is witnessing a mental health reckoning that none of us can afford to ignore.

 Read More - क्या आपने कभी सोचा है कि आपको अपने दांतों को कितनी देर तक ब्रश करना चाहिए? आइए जानें कि अगर आप दिन में दो बार सिर्फ़ 2 मिनट के लिए भी ब्रश करना छोड़ दें तो क्या हो सकता है।

A Crisis Beneath the Surface

During the pandemic, millions experienced loss—of loved ones, jobs, routine, and certainty. Lockdowns separated families, left children without schools, and turned homes into offices overnight. According to a 2022 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a staggering 25% during the first year of the pandemic.

 In India, the National Mental Health Survey by NIMHANS revealed that nearly 1 in 7 people suffered from mental health issues even before the pandemic. Post-COVID, helplines reported a sharp increase in distress calls, especially from young adults and women—many of whom were juggling professional work, household responsibilities, and caregiving, often with no respite.

Women at the Epicenter

The crisis disproportionately affected women. With schools closed, household workloads increased, and domestic violence cases surged. Many women were forced to drop out of the workforce altogether. For working mothers, the blurring of personal and professional boundaries added intense pressure, often without support.

Yet, most didn’t speak up—conditioned by society to “adjust,” “cope,” and “not complain.”

Why Mental Health Still Struggles for Attention

Despite the surge in need, mental health remains stigmatized. Terms like "therapy," "depression," or even "self-care" are misunderstood in many parts of the country. People often hesitate to seek help, fearing judgment or being labeled as “weak.”

Infrastructure, too, is limited. India has less than 1 psychiatrist per 100,000 people, according to WHO data—far below the recommended ratio. Rural and semi-urban areas are especially underserved.

How Can We Recover?

Recovery from a mental health crisis is not linear—but it is possible, and increasingly, there are steps individuals and communities can take:

 1. Start with Acceptance

Acknowledging that you're struggling is the first step. Mental health is health. Just like physical ailments, emotional pain deserves care and compassion—not shame.

 2. Talk About It

Conversations are powerful. When public figures and media normalize therapy, emotions, and healing, it empowers others to do the same. Schools, workplaces, and families need to create safe spaces where mental health isn’t a taboo.

 3. Seek Professional Help

Therapy and counseling are no longer limited to metros or elite circles. Affordable options like iCall, Fortis’ Mental Health Helpline, and online platforms like YourDOST or BetterLYF are available across India. Many offer support in regional languages.

 4. Rebuild Support Systems

The isolation of the pandemic taught us how vital community is. Reconnecting with friends, family, neighbors—even in small ways—can dramatically boost emotional well-being.

 5. Self-care is Not Selfish

Exercise, sleep, journaling, digital detox, mindfulness—these aren’t luxuries. They’re essentials. Regular routines, hobbies, and time for oneself are building blocks for emotional resilience.

The Way Forward

India is slowly waking up to the importance of mental wellness. Corporate wellness programs, school counselors, mental health influencers, and startups in the mental health space are making conversations more accessible.

But awareness must go hand in hand with action. Governments must invest in mental health infrastructure. Workplaces must prioritize employee well-being. And most importantly, we as a society must choose empathy over stigma.

Because behind every silent smile could be a storm—and sometimes, all it takes to save a life is the courage to ask: “Are you okay?”

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