Don’t let the crisis affect your mental health: Suniel Shetty
SPOTLIGHT: HEALTH & WELLNESS AFTER ELDERLY HEALTH CARE, THIS WEEK, THE FOCUS WILL BE ON MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.
Life in the times of Covid-19 has become uncertain. With the virus scare keeping people locked up at home and the economy badly affected, the constant worry about what the future has in store is taking a toll on people’s mental health. There is a rise in domestic violence and suicides, and many relationships are falling apart. Actor Suniel Shetty, who works to help underprivileged of children, shares that the lockdown is a
“really disturbing” time.
Talking about how families should approach the problem, he says, “Parents need to take charge. The uncertainty might have hit you hard, but when your child comes up to you with a smile seeking positivity you have to reciprocate… It’s better to fight your inner fears and keep your family happy. The strength you derive from that is much needed.”
Shetty explains this is just the beginning. “Once the cure is here and we get back to work, we will all have to rebuild everything. That probably will be more difficult,” he says.
Talking about many taking to addiction to forget worries, Shetty says “that leads to more emotional breakdown”. He continues, “We always crave for this family time. So let’s just enjoy it. Why resort to any behaviour that would spoil our mental peace?”
The 58-year-old feels one should look around. “Everyone is trying hard to cope…Eat and exercise well to generate happy hormones,” he says, adding his family too follows a routine.
“My mother is 82. She does breathing exercises and walks inside the house. My lunch time with her is pure motherson time. She enjoys watching old films with all of us. Everyone having dinner together is another highlight of our day,” Shetty adds.