Mental Health and COVID-19

Coronavirus has been spread all over the globe across almost every country and has taken lives more than 1 lac. Now, it is not only risking the physical health of a person who is suffering from it but also the mental health of those who are under lockdown and working in the frontline to curb this disease. Everyone is facing mental stress, anxiety or fear at different levels. In the working sector, employees who were expecting appraisals at the end of the financial year are suffering from the stress of wages being cut off or the loss of a job. On the other hand, employers are struggling to manage their businesses and retaining their employees in this difficult time.  The ones at the frontline are dealing with the fear of being caught by the infection during interaction with positive coronavirus cases. The rise in the number of cases and the extension of lockdown is the major cause of the tension among people. Actually, this is not only affecting mental wellness but also leading to increase in the number of domestic violence. Yes, there is a spike in the number of SOS calls to the authorities regarding physical abuse during quarantine worldwide. The fear and uncertainty of the pandemic have led to more abusive relationships and frustration among people.

There are reports showing an increase in 18 % emergency calls of domestic violence in Spain and photos of a woman being viral in China who was beaten up by her husband with a chair. India is not an exception, the National Commission for Women has said that there are few complaints filed with them but one needs to understand people generally approach police authorities first regarding these kinds of incidences which means these numbers are massive underestimates and a large number of cases are under-reported. Harming others is one of the psychological impacts, the other is committing suicide. There are many cases in which people who were suspected to commit suicide out of fear to be positive but reports suggest in most of the cases people came out to be negative. It is just the psychological phenomenon that triggers them to do such things so, just being physically strong or having good immunity is not all that is needed to cope with this tragic situation but the state of mind also plays an important.

Earlier, WHO had warned the countries that the situation of this coronavirus crisis and the measures taken by the governments to contain the spread would have a negative impact on people’s mental health and well-being. So, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences has launched the toll-free number – 08046110007 to provide guidance to people who are feeling any kind of stress, fear or anxiety. The Ministry of Health and Welfare of India also provides guidelines to cope with mental stress. They asked people to spend quality time with family and get involved in some discussions or spend time on recreational activities as board games, music, etc. Most importantly stay connected with your loved ones through phone calls or video calls to keep the stress at bay and especially cut down on listening to news; seek information from credible sources only. To lower your stress level and improve physical health, do some yoga or exercise and ask your family members to do it together. Anxiety or tension is something that develops silently in our minds so we need to take care of ourselves as well as need to keep a check on one another to get through this difficult time and help if someone is dealing with it as we are all together in this time of crisis.