Are we sitting on a ticking bomb of a mental health crisis amidst the pandemic? City psychiatrists say the second wave has seen increased cases of mental health problems, especially anxiety and depression, among survivors and their kin. They say the issue needs government intervention and have demanded that the state set up a ‘mental health task force’ to facilitate screening of people for emotional well-being.

Anxiety and depression are linked to viral diseases but in Covid-19, we see a slight difference. It is affecting the thinking process. There is reduced cognitive efficacy. Among common complaints are the fear of not being able to work well, being left out and decreased energy levels,” said Dr Sagar Karia, assistant professor, psychiatry department, LTMG Sion Hospital.