Page 33 - Resurrection Magazine

Lockdown and

its psychological

impact on

Indian youth

n Rakendu S R

n the 24th of March 2020, the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Oordered a nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19. The
movements of an entire country’s population ground to a halt.
50% of India’s population is below the age of 25. Of this percentage, most of them are students.
With schools and colleges being shut because of lockdown, many of them have been forced to sit at
home and forego their otherwise very engaging and active routine. At first glance, it may seem like a
trifling problem. But if we look deeper, we will understand that it’s high time we should address the
psychological impact of adjusting to the new normal as faced by the student community.
Statistics says that more than 300 suicides happened in India after lockdown of which most of
them are youths. Why is this happening? What is breaking the resolve of Indian students? Let us
look into some other statistics, India stands first in the list of nations with youth suffering from
depression and other associated mental illnesses. Schools and colleges aren’t merely a place to
study. Most of the students find happiness in schools and colleges through friends, activities,
conversations. They get to spend their time destressing in the company of their peers. Thus, school
and college friends provide an escape from their problems.
The sudden closure of these institutions has left students wondering how to manage their life.
Sitting at home without having an opportunity to go out and meet their loved ones may have
caused their anxieties to resurface. Most people suffering from mental illness and depression don’t
seek medical help and try to ignore their problems by engaging with friends. Without that support
system, they are reduced to suicide as a way out. This is what happens to the youth of India in
lockdown.

School, colleges and authorities are trying their maximum to normalize things and engage
students through online classes and other modes of communication. Social media and video chat
apps like Zoom and Face time are somewhat helping the students to stay connected with their
friends and have regular communication. But these aren’t enough. Medical support and empathetic
approaches are what they need the most. Friends, teachers and family have the duty to identify a
person going through this kind of crisis and give him/her the right medical help and mental support.
Talking to a friend who is having a bad day can’t be taken as a silly thing. It might be the most
crucial form of assistance you can provide in a crisis like this. The youths are the soul and strength
of a nation. And addressing their problem should be taken care of with at most importance. Just
surviving the pandemic is not enough. Surviving while maintaining a happy and healthy outlook is
what we should look forward to. With this attitude, we can ensure no one is left behind.

RESURRECTION 33