The unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, the upheaval in economy, livelihoods, healthcare, and social isolation has created a very uncertain and stressful situation for the masses. This global health emergency has manifested in ways beyond the physical and has given rise to a mental health crisis that we’re not addressing with enough force.
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Kasturi Chetia, Clinical Psychologist, Children First India shares, “The uncertainty, altered daily routines, financial pressures, and separation from loved ones can be naturally challenging for most. For a lot of people like the frontline and essential workers, people from the marginalised sections, and the disadvantaged with added lived experiences, life has never been harder. It is time for us to realize that it’s the need of the hour to take preventive measures to minimize the effects of what is being called a ‘mental health pandemic within a pandemic’.”
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Looking after ourselves in difficult times
While a lot of people have come forward to share their battles with mental health illnesses like anxiety, depression, panic disorders, phobias, and more, there’s still a large disparity between the former with those who are yet to accept or come forward seeking medical attention.
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“Because of the existing stigma in our society surrounding mental health, a lot of people are still suffering in silence. The taboo that your mental well being isn’t as important as your physical health or the lack of awareness for the same have caused a major hindrance,” says Dr. Santosh Bangar, Consultant Psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience.
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Signs and symptoms to look out for
So how do we identify that what we’re ‘feeling’ lately could be the onset of a mental health issue? Here are a few common signs and symptoms:
Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.
Declining productivity and lack of concentration.
Disturbed sleep patterns.
Loss of appetite and fatigue.
Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness.
Hypersensitivity, acute emotional outbursts, mood swings, complete emotional isolation are among many.
People with pre-existing clinical diagnosis of anxiety or depression experiencing a heightened increase in their symptoms.
Addiction
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How to cope with the ongoing mental health crisis
There are no hard and fast solutions to battling mental health crises. However, we can practice a more mindful lifestyle and incorporate these simple changes in our everyday lifestyle, especially during the pandemic, as suggested by Dr. Bangar:
A well-planned daily routine to bring a discipled structure to our lives.
A healthy sleep cycle of 7-8 hours.
The right communication with friends, family, and loved ones even if it’s virtual.
A healthy balance between physical exercise and meditation.
Quitting indulgent behaviour like alcohol and drug addictions.
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Its okay to seek help
Understanding that it is an unforeseen situation and we are not alone in this can truly help change our perspective. Instead of suppressing these emotions, we have to address them. It’s okay to ask for help and consult a psychiatrist or psychologist that suits individual needs.
Psychologist Chetia adds, “Mental health is not a static presence – our spectrum is fluctuating from time to time and minute to minute. While acknowledging the distress and the largeness of the problem, I think it is also essential that we realise that no individual is a passive recipient. People always respond to crises and feelings of injustice in their own available capacities. It’s essential that we respect the range of coping styles and view people’s behaviour as their way to manage their anxiety. We have to feel less judgmental of ourselves and others as we all cope in our own ways.”
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