From Diagnosis to Recovery: Unraveling the Interplay of Emotions, Social Support and Belief Systems in the Face of COVID-19 in India

Introduction: The global Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on individual's health and well-being that was not only limited to physical health but greatly affected the psychological health of people as well. Aim: The study aimed at examining the social, emotional, and lived experiences of those diagnosed with third wave of Covid-19 pandemic. Method: A total sample of 60 participants was selected which were further divided into two age groups i.e., 18-40 years and 41-60 years. A semi-structured interview was administered to both groups and 5 themes were derived from it: emotions related to the pandemic, social support, sources of strength, spiritual-religious beliefs, and experience of living with the pandemic. Thematic analysis of the participant interviews was done. Results: The findings indicated that by the third wave of Covid-19 a normal attitude towards the pandemic was developed. Greater social support was found to be perceived from family members and friends for both the groups. Additionally, group 2 relied more on spiritual-religious beliefs as a way of coping with the distress caused during pandemic. As for living with the pandemic, with the third wave it was seen that fewer people required hospitalization, and for a majority of the sample the symptoms were tolerable and the emotional journey of diagnosis through recovery was less distressing. Conclusion: With the third wave, the overall shift in how individuals perceive, deal and adapt to the pandemic has significantly changed as compared to first and second waves. Having a strong social support, and other sources of strength are vital in overcoming global epidemics like the Covid-19 pandemic.