Perceptible Experiences of General Population: Lesson Learnt Across First and Second Wave of Pandemic

Abstract Introduction: Lockdown during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and isolation were discovered to have a negative psychological influence on the general population’s mental health and wellbeing. Aim: This study aims to Trace and compares the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in terms of psychological well-being (PWB), distress and family functioning during the first and second wave. Materials and Methods: A convenient purposive sampling method was used to conduct an online survey during the first COVID wave (May 2020–July 2020) in India, and the same demographic group was re-contacted (March 2021–May 2021) during the second wave. The institute ethical committee was consulted in advance for approval, and participants’ digital consent was obtained. The first and second waves of the COVID-19 epidemic in India were evaluated using the PWB scale, the depression anxiety stress scale 21, and the brief family relationship scale. Results: Among all individuals, there was a 25.4%, 39.3%, and 30% prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression, respectively in our study. Participant’s well-being and family relationships were negatively impacted by anxiety and depression. Older participants reported more favorable relationships and higher levels of well-being than younger participants did. Women scored significantly lower on psychological well-being measures and much higher on stress, anxiety, and depression measures than men. Conclusion: The first wave, which has contributed to a significant increase in psychiatric morbidity, affected the general population at a moderate intensity. The present study’s findings may be useful for developing policies, intervention programs, and offering psychosocial help to the community.