Psychological and Behavioral Implications of the pandemics: Strengthening the mental health component in the existing health system

Abstract

The emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS Cov2) outbreak has
caused unprecedented loss of lives and substantial morbidities all across the world. The rapid spread of the
disease prompted many governments to take several drastic steps to contain the virus. These steps not only
affected the overall dynamics of the countries and the entire world but also had a huge impact on the mental
health of the population. Given the long-lasting effect on the mental health of the population and its massive
impact on the economic growth and development of the country, there is a need to strengthen the mental
health component in the existing health system. This will lead to better productivity and faster economic
growth of the nation.