OdishaPlus Bureau
Stress levels have been on the rise with 43% Indians suffering from depression ever since the pandemic hit India, followed by an unprecedented lockdown, according to a new study conducted by GOQii. The study as surveyed over 10,000 Indians to understand how they have been coping with the new normal.
26% respondents suffered from mild depression, 11% were felt moderately depressed, and six% faced severe symptoms of depression.The last five months have been unexpected. The situation has taken a major toll on the mental health of citizens. With the series of lockdowns, anxiety, job cuts, health scares, and the overall volatile environment, stress levels are at an all-time high.
To monitor the severity of depression in the respondents, the study relied on self-administered Patient Health Questionnaire or PHQ-9 (a form of primary care evaluation of mental disorders). It took into account nine aspects of an individual’s daily routine, including interest levels in activities, appetite, sleep cycles, ability to concentrate, and energy levels.
“Our study indicates that an increasing number of people across the country are dealing with mental health issues triggered by the spread of the coronavirus and the consequent lockdown.
“The mounting uncertainty is the basis of the high stress index which can be controlled with a balanced diet, changes in lifestyle and appropriate sleep patterns,” said Vishal Gondal, Founder and CEO, GOQii.
Those feeling depressed complained of having little interest or pleasure in doing things, feeling hopeless, dealing with erratic sleep cycles, poor eating habits, low levels of energy, low self esteem, having trouble concentrating, being restless, and having thoughts of self harm.
“More than 59% of the population said they had little pleasure in doing things these days, out of which 38% have this feeling on a few days and 9% feel so more than half of the days. Nearly 12% felt this way almost every day,” the study said. It pointed out that more than 57% of the respondents complained of feeling tired or having little energy through at least some days in the last few weeks. At least more than 15% have this feeling more than half of the days. This leads to some people sleeping too much while some others have trouble sleeping.
