According to the latest update from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India recorded 358 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. The total number of active cases stands at 6,491 as of 8 am Monday, while the recovery cases stand at 6861. Although the cases are on the rise, health experts have said that the recovery numbers don’t tell the full story. They have noted that Covid’s toll is not just physical, but mental as well.
“Even though the virus is under control, many people are still dealing with mental health problems that started during the pandemic,” says Dr. Astik Joshi, Child, Adolescent, and Forensic Psychiatrist based in New Delhi.
COVID-19 is not just about the virus
Even people who never had COVID-19 are struggling. Why? Because the pandemic brought a lot of stress, loss, and change. People lost loved ones, jobs, daily routines, and important life moments. Weddings were delayed, schools were shut, and many people spent months in isolation.
“Many of us went through some kind of grief—even if it wasn’t due to a death,” says Dr. Joshi. “It could be the loss of a job, missed opportunities, or simply losing a sense of normal life. These things add up,” he added.
The hidden problem: Mental fatigue
When we talk about COVID-19 recovery, we often focus on physical symptoms. But what many people are now facing is something called pandemic fatigue—a deep mental and emotional exhaustion.
This can include:
- Feeling constantly tired, even after resting
- Trouble thinking clearly or focusing
- Feeling emotionally flat, anxious, or easily irritated
“We are seeing people who recovered from COVID—or even those who never got it—struggling with emotional burnout, sadness, and memory issues,” Dr. Joshi explains.
Brain fog: A common complaint after COVID-19
One of the most talked-about mental symptoms after COVID-19 is brain fog. This is not just about forgetting small things. People describe it as:
- Difficulty thinking or making decisions
- Trouble remembering names or tasks
- Slow or unclear thinking
“Many people come in saying they feel like their brain is slow or foggy all the time. It affects their work, studies, and relationships,” says Dr. Joshi.
Researchers believe this could be due to the virus’s impact on the brain. It may cause inflammation or interfere with the way brain chemicals function. Poor sleep, stress, and anxiety can make it worse.
What you can do to feel better
Experts say mental recovery is just as important as physical healing. If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, anxious, or unable to focus—there are ways to help yourself feel better.
Here are some tips from Dr. Joshi:
- Talk about it – Don’t bottle up your feelings. Talk to a friend, family member, or mental health professional.
- Sleep well – Try to get regular, restful sleep.
- Stay active – Light exercise like walking or yoga can help your mood.
- Take breaks from news or screens – Constant information can add to your stress.
- Practice mindfulness – Breathing exercises and quiet time can help clear your mind.
“It’s okay to not feel okay,” says Dr. Joshi. “What we all went through was not normal. It’s important to give yourself time and space to heal,” he further said.
Mental health support needs to be a priority
While things may feel “normal” again on the surface, experts say there’s still a need for support at every level—at home, in schools, at workplaces, and from the government.
Employers and schools can help by:
- Offering mental health days or counselling services
- Allowing flexible work or study schedules
- Encouraging people to speak openly about stress and mental fatigue
“If we ignore this mental health crisis, we risk long-term damage. But with the right support, people can heal and move forward,” Dr. Joshi adds. COVID-19 impact on mental health is far from over. If you’re feeling foggy, low, or constantly tired—it’s not just in your head, it’s real.
