Analysis reveals a 25 per cent jump in mental health issues during lockdown in Gujarat

A team of 150 academics and practising psychologists manning Gujarat Psychological Intervention Helpline have counselled as many as 40,350 people across the state; write to CM on ways to ensure mental well-being of Gujaratis.

The nationwide lockdown in the wake of Covid-19 has restricted people’s movement. Sudden change in lifestyle, lack of socialising and being locked in the four walls of the house seems to be taking a toll on people’s mental health. A team of 150 academics and practising psychologists in Gujarat have counselled as many as 40,350 people across the state.

Various aspects shared as a finding of their sample-based analysis stated that people’s mental health is weakening too. The team for Gujarat Psychological Intervention Helpline reported an increase of 25 per cent in mental health issues.

Of the total, 44 per cent people experienced panic attacks, 23 per cent reported adjustment issues, 27 per cent showed signs of depression, 9.5 per cent for domestic violence, 17 per cent reported sleeplessness apart from 2.1 per cent religion-related concerns.

Rajesh Parmar, mind trainer and psychologist, said the initiative that started from Rajkot was later expanded to other cities of Gujarat with the involvement of district administration.

Saurashtra University’s Dr Yogesh Jogsan started the Psychological Wellness Centre and later they launched the Gujarat Psychological Intervention Helpline.

Those included in counselling were people from parts of coronavirus-affected areas.

Based on the findings, experts have also written to Chief Minister Vijay Rupani recommending few steps to ensure the mental well-being of people in Gujarat.

“It is important to ensure people’s mental relaxation during the lockdown period and efforts should be made accordingly. Effect of non-available products of addiction is harmful on people. During lockdown, people are not getting them and more people should be deputed at rehabilitation centres on voluntary services. Online events for good mental well-being should also be organised,” read suggestions by the team.

They have also recommended that outgoing calls should also be started for counselling services like 1100 helpline that recently has only incoming services.