Mental wellness and the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID19 or Coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s lives. There are significant changes to our daily lifestyle because of the various restrictions imposed on us. Along with the persistent fear of contracting the virus, these lifestyle changes are adding to the mental well-being of people. And undoubtedly, mental well-being is as important as our physical well-being. Hence, along with taking preventive measures for the sake of our physical health, precautions and utmost care should also be taken for our mental wellness. Some of these mental disorders include persistent fear, irritation, panic, anxiety, emotional and nervous breakdowns and the list goes on. Hence, here is a detailed study of mental wellness during the COVID19 pandemic.

Reasons for the depression in COVID-19: -

1. Poverty: - About 1.2 billion people were in extreme poverty. Due to the covid19 outbreak, they are not able to go anywhere in order to earn money for feeding their family members. Their condition becomes more verse than earlier. 

2. Jobs Security: - Many people doubt their job security as they thought they might be kicked out of their jobs. They may now suffer from the unemployment problem. They may not get their salaries and pension on time. 

3. Large debts: - Many people have come under great debts by the money lenders, banks and other financial services. They do not have enough money to clear their debts. 

4. Loneliness: - Many people have gone into a lonely environment. For example, students who come from other states and countries for their studies. They can't meet their family members. They had to live in a small space for a long time.

5. Future analysis: - Many people are tense and feared by analyzing how the problem will be stopped, how they will restart their lives after covid19, etc.

6. Career opportunity: - Many students are in a typical situation about their career and exams, like their board exam will be conducted or not, if conducted then how it will be conducted, etc.

7. Fear of being in Corona: - Many people are depressed due to fear that they are supposed to be suffering from coronavirus disease. Due to which many have tried taking their own lives.

                                                

Tips to deal with depression and anxiety during the pandemic-

1. Indulge yourself in some kind of physical or mental activity. It can be cleaning, cooking, reading books, taking a stroll outside etc. 

2. Be in an open environment. Don't always keep yourself in a small space. 

3. Develop a habit to perform new work every day. For example, painting, cooking a new dish, etc. 

4. Take care of your emotional health. Don't feel bad, absurd and unhappy when an awkward situation happens in your family. 

5. Take care of your body. Perform yoga and exercise regularly. Keep your body in proper shape. Sleep adequately. 

6. Live in an interactive environment. Listen to your family when they are speaking something, talk with them. 

7. Avoid over thinking about the problems.

 8. Deal with the problems in an easy way. 

9. Don't take pressure on the mind of any awkward situation. 

10. Be optimistic towards your decision, lifestyle and family. 

                    

Some real-life cases- 

1. Anurag Gupta from Lucknow went to Bareilly on 18 March and got stuck in a guesthouse due to lockdown. Being in a situation of loneliness and helplessness, he attempted suicide and got dead.

2. An officer has attempted suicide because of the fear that he might be Corona positive. 

Conclusion – 

We all know that this a difficult phase to deal with.  We have already come a long way but mental health is still a stigma for many people in many parts of India. So, if you see someone suffering from mental ailments, support them, provide them with a safe and comfortable space and be kind to everyone. You never know what situation a person is in. And if you are dealing with these problems, then just know that you are not alone. Be free to reach out to people, practice self-love and self-care, be kind to yourself and take the help of therapy. Believe in the magic of therapy; it has done wonders. And most importantly, don’t ever lose hope because this too shall pass. And always remember- "ये कल बीत जाएगा।". Sending everyone a bag full of positivity, love and hope.

#staysmart #staysatark