Mental Disorders & Suicides in Covid-19 Era: A Preventable Pandemic?

Abstract

Corona Virus Disease -2019 caused by novel Corona virus is the pandemic of 21st century. The world has earlier also witnessed the corona virus diseases like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERSCoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS CoV). However the Corona Virus Disease2019 (COVID-19) caused by novel corona virus is unprecedented in terms of its severity, and the impact it has brought to the lives of people across the globe. The bad news, lockdowns, economic slowdown and other related factors emerging during the COVID 19 era have adversely affected the mental health of people. Mental health and suicides are related. We are witnessing a surge in the COVID 19 related suicidal deaths these days. This paper is an attempt to assess the reasons for the mental illnesses and increased suicides and try to mitigate this emerging public health problem especially in these difficult times of the COVID 19 pandemic.