Is mental illness the ‘next wave’ of covid-19 pandemic? : the role of mental health professionals

Background: COVID-19 has created a state of crisis for many. It could be due to the direct effects of the pandemic (such as threat to survival) or its indirect effects (such as job loss). The severe distress caused by a pandemic can result in low mood, extreme frustrations, anxiety, panic, anger, and so on. Aim: To analyze the trend of COVID-19 pandemic, looking out for how the pandemic has created havoc in peoples’ lives. Based on this, we want to define the role of mental health professionals in the management of COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: Based on the articles of 2020, the literature was studied and trends were seen using terms like ‘COVID-19’, ‘mental health in pandemic’, ‘role of health professionals’, especially the ‘mental health professionals’ and relevant articles were included to look whether it is the ‘Next Wave’ of the pandemic. Conclusion: COVID-19 has created a state of crisis for many. A large part of the psychological responses have so far been reactionary to what has happened in other countries in the world, fears of what might be in store in the times ahead and responses to the lockdown. By knowing the trend, planning can be done to effectively manage COVID-19 pandemic in terms of infrastructure, manpower and mental health resources. Thus, the hospital administrators play pivotal role. Clinical significance: The review article will help the health professionals to understand the variable trend of pandemic and planning for management by looking towards the psychological issues faced due to lockdown or quarantine and also the after effects of COVID-19, so that it could be prevented from becoming the ‘Next Wave’ of the pandemic. Psychiatry and other mental health sciences can play very useful role in supporting the well-being of COVID-19 patients and their families, healthcare personnel and the society.