Mental Health in the Post-Pandemic Era (COVID-19): Community-Based Interventions for Resilience and Well-Being

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Nishant Prabhudas Mukhiya,

  • Prabhudas G. Mukhiya,

  1. HOD & Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Panchasheel Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Khamgaon, Maharashtra, India
  2. HOD & Professor, Department of Repertory and P.G. Director, Panchasheel Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Khamgaon, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major psychological effect, causing anxiety, depression, stress, and social disruption around the world. Community-level mental health programs have become widely available methods for promoting resilience and mental well-being, especially in resource-limited contexts. Aim: The aim was to assess the effectiveness of community-based mental health interventions in promoting psychological resilience and overall well-being in the post-pandemic period. Methodology: A cross-sectional, mixed-method, community-based study was conducted between March and June 2025. Stratified random sampling and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) were used to obtain quantitative data from 400 respondents (200 urban and 200 rural). Purposive sampling was used to collect qualitative data from 10 key informant interviews and four focus group discussions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the quantitative analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: Overall, 71% of respondents demonstrated mild to severe signs of psychological distress, with slightly better outcomes observed among urban participants. The most frequently offered interventions were mental health awareness workshops (49.5%), counseling camps (44.5%), and non-governmental organization (NGO) outreach. Participants in community programs had a mean GHQ-12 score of 4.1, compared to 6.3 among non-participants. Qualitative findings revealed obstacles related to stigma, a lack of trained personnel, and poor access to digital technology, while also noting the positive role of local leaders and NGOs. Conclusion: Community-based interventions significantly enhanced resilience and mental well-being among post-pandemic populations, particularly in rural areas. This research highlights the importance of culturally sensitive, mixed-method mental healthcare interventions that incorporate grassroots initiatives with telehealth to counter stigma, enhance access, and establish long-term psychological resilience.

Keywords: COVID-19, post-pandemic era, mental health, community-based interventions, resilience, well-being

How to cite this article:
Nishant Prabhudas Mukhiya, Prabhudas G. Mukhiya. Mental Health in the Post-Pandemic Era (COVID-19): Community-Based Interventions for Resilience and Well-Being. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 15(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Nishant Prabhudas Mukhiya, Prabhudas G. Mukhiya. Mental Health in the Post-Pandemic Era (COVID-19): Community-Based Interventions for Resilience and Well-Being. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 15(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joayush/article=2026/view=238836


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
01
Received 13/02/2026
Accepted 17/02/2026
Published 18/02/2026
Publication Time 5 Days
32

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