MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN TIMES OF COVID-19
WHO has declared COVID-19 pandemic as a public health emergency of International concern. Countries are struggling to cope with the novel virus which has bought world to a standstill. Public health measures need to be implemented at a war-like scale all over India if we want to emerge on the other side of this pandemic.
As the country prepares for a lock-down with access to only basic services and persistent insistence on social distancing, the stress on the individuals and society at large cannot be ignored. The fear of contacting and transmission of the illness, seeing vulnerable loved ones struggle with symptoms, the emotional repercussions of social distancing and isolation, and the financial implications of a global economic slowdown can be a breeding ground for the emergence of multiple mental health issues. As a result, it becomes pertinent that we all take certain preventive measures to ensure mental health for one and all.
Following certain basic self-care in these testing times can ensure the optimal level of functioning.
- Stay connected- phone/ social media
- Stay informed
- Actively manage your wellbeing
- Have a goal, learn a skill
- Be empathetic and supportive
- Ask for help
STAYING CONNECTED
While the importance of physical distancing cannot in emphasized enough in the current times, social isolation is not advisable in stressful periods. Channeling technology to stay connected to your near and dear ones is a boon at present. Being emotionally available for those in distress and gathering emotional support when in need is important to maintain mental health. Many people always found it difficult to take out time from their fast-paced lives for spending time with parents, children, reigniting romance with a partner and playing with pets. Just changing the perspective of this situation might help a few.
STAY INFORMED
The way to fight and cope with an emerging pandemic is to stay informed about the new developments. However, depending on reliable sources like the WHO and local health platforms for updates. The information-seeking should be directed towards taking practical measures to plan and protect loved ones. Avoid continuous inflow of news as it creates unnecessary fear and worries. Rather actively seek updates at fixed intervals only.
As much as possible, refrain from reading and distributing sensational information and news from unverified sources.
ACTIVELY MANAGE YOUR WELLBEING
Be mindful of your mental and physical health in trying times. Try sticking to a routine with respect to sleep and appetite. Include physical exercising and staying active in the routine. Get creative and find out activities that are interesting and pleasurable to you. Avoid unhelpful coping strategies like use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
HAVE A GOAL, LEARN A SKILL
Look for positivity in times of despair. Change your perspective and use the available extra time to hone a new skill or a previously unexplored hobby. This can vary from reading the books that’s been lying unread for long, learning a new language, learning new skills like photography, musical instrument, cooking, yoga or meditation.
BE EMPATHETIC AND SUPPORTIVE
This pandemic has taught us that no race, religion, caste and class is immune and we all are in this together. Show empathy and support towards fellow neighbours, household helps, healthcare workers on the fronline and others helping with delivering of essential services.
Many incidents have come to light where essential care workers like health care workers, airline crews and others were discriminated against, in their neighbourhood. Even those diagnosed or requiring quarantine in view of COVID-19 should be treated with compassion and stigma and prejudice should be avoided.
ASK FOR HELP
Dealing with stressful times can lead to feelings of fear, worry and despair. Mental health problems can manifest as changes in sleeping and eating pattern, increased use of substance use like tobacco and alcohol, excessive worrying, crying, hopelessness and in extreme cases, thoughts of harming oneself and dying.
For certain individuals who face emotional or physical abuse at home, these times might be harder than rest. It is important to recognise these feelings in self and others and ask for help from trained mental health professionals.
While the current situation might seem overwhelming, keeping ourselves grounded and repeatedly reminding one-self that this too shall pass is important. Life will continue to have meaning beyond this experience.
