Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown: A Literature Review on Mental Wellbeing

This literature review examines the negative impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns and the pandemic on mental health and wellbeing. It discusses the increased rates of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders due to lockdown measures, social isolation, and economic difficulties. The review also explores the role of social support in mitigating these negative effects and highlights the importance of addressing mental health concerns during and after the pandemic. Furthermore, it touches upon the varying experiences of individuals, including parents, young adults, and those with pre-existing health conditions, and the implications of lockdown compliance and disobedience on mental wellbeing. The literature emphasizes the need for psychological interventions and support systems to address the widespread mental health challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis.

Psychology Literature Review

TABLE OF CONTENT
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................1
Negative impacts on mental health/wellbeing due to Covid-19 Lockdown................................1
Negative impacts on mental health/wellbeing due to Covid-19 Pandemic.................................3
Research on Lock down Compliance or Lock down Disobedience on mental health/well being
......................................................................................................................................................4
Research on how social support can help improve mental health...............................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

LITERATURE REVIEW
Negative impacts on mental health/wellbeing due to Covid-19 Lockdown
As per the view of Vigo and et.al., (2020) due to the Covid-19 the population went into
major lock down, this was to avoid the people get in contact with the infectious individuals. This
pandemic directly did not affect the individuals psychologically. However, later on it was found
that it created stress scores for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder which was reported in mostly
children, 4 times more on those children which were quarantined than those which were not
quarantined. According to the study of Thibaut & van Wijngaarden-Cremers (2020) the young
people were reported to have increased depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were more
common compared to the negative psychological consequences which were the results of the
Covid-19. Due to the lock down which were faced by the citizens, mostly the underprivileged
society faced acute derivation of nutrition and overall protection. This created a prolonged period
of stress in the minds of these individuals which lead to major mental health issues.
From the study of de Miranda and et.al., (2020) it was understood that loneliness was a
major reason that developed due to the Covid-19 Lock down period which turned into a risky
factor towards the mental health of the individuals. The experiences of living alone kept the
individuals away from the social world which lead them to feel depressed and suffocated. This
was a major cause of mental health as the anxiety which started to develop into the individuals
due to the impacts of loneliness was socially incomparable. The analysation of the Daly and
et.al., (2020). explained that getting stuck in the lock down got many people into stress due to
their overthinking about their respective future. Every individual had some plans whether it was
regarding their studies, business or a certain career. The lack of contact with others, boredom,
not being able to participate in their favourite hobbies was led to major stress. Many dreams
were crushed due to this lock down which also contributed as a key factor towards the mental
health of the individual.
Rossi and et.al., (2020) explained towards the mental health during lock down that some
parents also felt this lock down as traumatizing in their well-being and mental health. Apart from
the other effects which took place during the Covid-19 lock down the parents were the
community which also faced lack of interaction with other friends and families. Despite their
loneliness as well as depressions related to their careers they had responsibilities of their children

as a parent. For some this experience was not as easy as others. Figueroa & Aguilera (2020)
added to that by saying that during the lockdown many parents were out of a job which was the
main source of income. Thus, lockdown created financial crisis on the many individuals. Many
parents were unable to feed their kids due to which they felt stressed out trying to take care of the
children. This affected them financially which lead to major mental broke down of such
individuals. Some other factors such as the fear of infection, frustration and boredom also were
the factors which caused mental health issues.
From the evaluation of Kwong and et.al., (2021) anxiety was one of the biggest impacts
of lockdown over the mental health. It was the development of a fear which lead to the individual
in feeling insecure and isolated. As a result of anxiety, the individuals were not able to plan their
works, which lead to mismatch of timing and lack of division of thoughts on workspace.
Lockdown was able created loneliness in the minds of many individuals which resulted in
depression in the minds of the individuals. Roy and et.al., (2021) added to that by saying that
lack of engagement was an impact of lockdown which effected the mental health of the
individuals the most. Due to the lockdown most of the work, studies and other engagement
activities were started over online platforms. This was very effective in saving the time of many
individuals but had its negative impacts on the mental health. Online platforms made the people
very addictive towards the technology which as a result was able to allow the individuals to
make decisions that had elaborated impacts on the studies of the system.
The analysation of Rossi and et.al., (2020) suggests that the mental health is a crucial
aspect which was needed to be addressed during the lockdown as it revolved around
communication around the virus. The psychological problems such as the depression, anxiety
and panic disorder the Covid-19 pandemic caused was also severe threat to the lives and mental
health of the people around the globe. Other responsibilities which created a problem was posed
by the pandemic directly and resulted in public panic. Thapa and et.al., (2020) elaborated that by
saying that the stressful situations which was developed in the psychological interventions to be
considered by major authorities. Educating individuals regarding the do’s and don’ts was an
effective technique to control the level of mental sickness being developed during the pandemic.
Those people which were able to managing to save themselves from the virus were getting
effected du to the mental effects of this virus.

Negative impacts on mental health/wellbeing due to Covid-19 Pandemic
As per the analysis of Galbraith and et.al., (2021) Covid-19 pandemic came with major
concerns about the mental health and substance which was used for the growth that included the
concerns about various mental health issues such as the suicidal ideation. It was noticed that due
to this pandemic 41% of the adults were reported develop anxiety or depression. This created
multiple disorders in the individuals. In other surveys it was 13% of adults were reported to
increase new or substantial use of various drugs due to the stress of corona-virus. Holmes and
et.al., (2020) added to that by saying that the surveys also reported that suicide rates in during the
pandemic increased a lot. Even before the pandemic the suicide rates were high but during the
pandemic it has risen very rapidly. The data analysation shows the overdose of various drugs
causing deaths which were particularly noticed during the increase of pandemic. Thus, it can be
said that the impacts the pandemic has had on the mental health of the individuals has been very
negative in more ways than one.
Chatterjee, Malathesh Barikar & Mukherjee (2020) elaborated that prior to the pandemic
the adults in the poor general health which reflected both their mental and physical conditions
was continuously reporting higher rats of anxiety and depression than adults which were in good
general health. Thus, it can be said that people with chronic illness in particular were more likely
to have mental health disorder. Many of the individuals which were severely ill due to the Covid-
19 virus or were diagnosed some time with this virus were all suffering mental health disorder,
such an anxiety or mood disorder. From the analysation of Choudhari (2020) it was understood
that the mental distress during the pandemic was occurring after a decrease in the mental health
issues. The ratio which was one in ten turned to one in five after the pandemic hit the world.
There are many ways in which pandemic effected the world and mental health issues is definably
one of them. Many large-scale researches resulted in showing the links between the social
isolative society and loneliness that resulted in both poor mental and physical health.
Vindegaard & Benros (2020) added to that by saying that due to the link between the
social distance and loneliness which developed poor mental and physical health. This created a
widespread experience of loneliness which was affected the mental health was clearly associated
in reducing the lifespan of the individuals prior to getting infected. Thus, it can be said that the
fear and anxiety due to the fear of death from Covid-19 made the individual more vulnerable due
to poor mental health. From the analysation of Imran, Zeshan & Pervaiz (2020) it was

understood that during the pandemic the anxiety, depression, sleep disruptions, and thoughts of
suicide had increased for many young adults. The pandemic related consequences were equally
severe with this section of the society. The ways they were affected were different as it was the
contribution of the closure of universities, transitioning to remote work, and loss of income or
employment. This contributed to their poor health and it was found that due to the pandemic a
large section of young adults had the symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder.
Huang & Zhao (2020) explained that during the pandemic many people had experienced
job or income loss which generally affected their mental health directly. Adults on which their
household expenses were considered they reported to have consistent higher rate of anxiety and
depressive disorder compared to adults not experiencing household loss of jobs. Depression due
to loss of job was significantly more likely to be reported than stress over an outbreak of corona
virus. Study of Xiong and et.al., (2020) showed that to slow the speed of the spread of this virus
many places implemented lockdowns which resulted in the closure of many schools and
colleges. This resulted in the children and parents experiencing ongoing disruption which
transformed their daily routines. In certain research this experience also created mental health
issues in either parents or children depending on their experiences.
Greenberg and et.al., (2020) explained that the pandemic has had both short- and long-
term implications towards the mental health and substance of utilization which was particularly
for the groups at risk of new or exacerbated mental health disorder. However, even during the
end of pandemic the development of vaccination stressed many individuals. This happened
because some individuals did not trust the vaccination due to which they developed mental
health issues leaving them vulnerable to corona virus. According to Pierce and et.al., (2020) in
history the mental health impact of major disasters which last as long as the Covid-19 pandemic.
This analysation showed that psychological toll on the mental health care providers during the
outbreak found that the psychological distress which can last up to three years after an outbreak.
Pandemic also affected the individuals financially due to the expenses they had to incur during
the treatment of the disease or due to bad economy. On the basis of the economic fall and the
social isolation there were additional deaths due to suicide and alcoholic or drug misuse due to
pandemic and can be more lethal if the pandemic returned.
Research on Lock down Compliance or Lock down Disobedience on mental health/well being
According to the views of Shaukat, Ali, and Razzak (2020) people were badly affected

because of Covid-19. They had intrinsic effects of anxieties and depression as a result of
prolonged quarantine. Public had feelings of imprisonment, boredom which lead to traumatic
experiences. Corona virus also affected their interpersonal relationships due to living in
constrained areas. During lock down, many people were facing problems due to job loss which
also resulted in economic difficulties. Moreover, homeless people were not having food to eat,
clothes to wear. There was a fear to undocumented migrants about being taken by police.
On the other hand, Usher, Durkin and Bhullar (2020) identified in his study that during
lock down many people had positive experiences as well. Families were having good times by
forming stronger bonds between them. Parents had more time to spend with their family,
children and elder ones. They were enjoying the phase of working from home, commuting less
and having a slower pace of life. People reported that they were having a good balance between
work and family during Covid-19 lock down. Parents were able to focus on their children and
teaching them one-on-one lessons.
Another Pakenham and et.al., (2020) cited that novel corona virus has affected the low
income families to a large extent because of their financial conditions. It resulted in much
anxiety in such families which affected their mental and physical health. Difficulties faced by
parents also had a negative impact on children's mind and health. Because of social distancing
from friends and families, stay at home orders, etc., distress parents were facing a lot of issues.
Covid-19 has not affected all families in equal manner but has cause serious issues to low
income class and less educated parents.
However, on critical note Shahyad and Mohammadi (2020) argued that there were
several economic funds flowing to low income households. Unemployment insurance was
enhanced to a very large extent during Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to this, many families
who experienced job losses surprisingly enjoyed higher income. Rapid federal response for
supporting unemployed youth was a very positive feature of Covid -19.
Shanmugam and et.al., (2020) presented that front-line workers and health care workers
also reported the feelings of depression & anxiety and even had thoughts about suicide. They
were facing problems in sleeping, eating, increased consumption of alcohol, etc. During
pandemic, there was a shortage of mental health care professionals for perfect treatment of
mental health. Moreover, due to less income, people had limited access to professional doctors.
They were not having insurance cover which was also a barrier in getting mental health care. It

was also stated that psychological distress lasts for more than three years after an outbreak. The
physical health is also affected negatively because of mental breakdown. It was noted that due to
economic problems and complete isolation, there were increasing cases of death due to suicide
and alcohol or drug overdose.
On contrary, Rains and et.al., (2021) argued that there was an increased sense of social
connectedness and people were having more sensible and positive relations during pandemic.
People were having strong support from family and friends in any negative situation of life.
Study also reported that many people were having stable mental health, completely, not affected
by corona virus. Telecommunications, that is, usage of social media applications kept the stress
away and helped a lot in maintaining the social connections with friends and family despite
having social distancing. Public was enjoying their free time at home and involved themselves in
leisure activities like playing indoor games, cooking delicious food, spending quality time with
family etc.
Research on how social support can help improve mental health
According to the views of El-Zoghby, Soltan and Salama (2020), social support from
friends, family and peers can help a person to come out from mental trauma and stress. Social
distancing during pandemic has affected one's mental and cardiovascular health. A simple coffee
break and an intense conversation with a friend can help in a lot of ways. There are a lot of
benefits of social support such as it alleviates emotional distress, promotes lifelong good health,
enhances self-esteem, lower blood pressure, stimulates healthy lifestyles, etc.
However, Qi and et.al., (2020) proclaimed that there are intense negative effects of social
support as well. People facing mental stress reported that they had a feeling of loss of control
because they had to ask for assistance for their daily activities also. They faced difficulties in
fulfilling the expectations of their friends and family. Sometimes, they are uncertain about social
groups that how to address to such disease. Moreover, patients also said that they were having
conflicts and disputes with family because they were interfering in everything.
In addition to this, Lee, Cadigan and Rhew (2020) said that social support play a very
important role in creating, maintaining and promoting sound mental health. Relevant authorities
and institutes should hold programs and seminars for promoting mental health for Covid
recovered patients and other vulnerable groups. Training brochures should be provided to them
so that they are aware about irreplaceable support. Practical strategies for improving relations

with family and friends should be discussed in seminars. Such counseling centers will provide
perfect social support to Covid patients through which they can enhance their mental health and
reduce chances of psychological problems and other related emotional issues.
On contrary, Sun and et.al., (2020) defended that only medical help and assistance can
solve the problems of mental health and not social support. Friends and family only exaggerate
the things and does not provide any concrete solutions to the mental issues. Sometimes, relatives
even make fun of a person facing such disease and person is humiliated in front of others. It is
much better to visit a psychiatrist and tell him/her about the problems faced by an individual. His
guidance and medicines will help a person to alleviate from mental stress and live a healthy and
long life. Person's physical health needs to be in better condition before mental health which can
be done by medicines only. Therefore, health personnel can devise more effective ways in which
a person can improve mental health.
Giebel and et.al., (2021) demonstrated that there is a strong association between social
support and mental issues of Covid patients. The strong social supports from peers and
colleagues can help in recovering from mental sickness. Social supports is connected with
providing emotional pillar to mentally sick people by talking to them, maintaining close
relations, etc. Mental health can also be improved by having someone on which trust can be
build up and person can call him anytime in situations of emergency. Further, White and Van
Der Boor (2020) stated that people can also provide informational support by giving guidance,
advice, information and mentoring which will be important in making decisions about life. With
such support in life, people feel less stressed about their problems and can trust blindly. Social
guidance also helps people to remain motivated because people having same goals in life can
achieve it by discussing it with others and having more knowledge about it. A person should
always remain in touch with friends and family by answering phone calls, replying to invitations
by reaching out to them, etc. Counselors should listen to the problems of people carefully and
giving them solid solutions.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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