It’s time to talk about mental health
s the lockdown starts to ease up, increased mental health issues amid the mandatory social distancing norms are emerging as a significant concern. Prakriti Poddar, mental health and wellbeing expert, Poddar Wellness, says, “There is a rise in stress, depression and psychological issues amid the lockdown. We will see a rise in PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) cases as a lot of people have lost the ability and will to socialise. A part of the problem is the fact that people don’t want to reach out to others as mental health is still considered a stigma.” Stuck indoors with limited resources, many are now suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, and even alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Dr Pankaj Gupta says, “In India, the age-old social precept of ‘log kya kahenge’ is still relevant and cuts across the lines of gender, caste, religion, socio-economic class. Should people’s vulnerabilities become public knowledge, it would invite judgement and gossip. It also suppresses much-needed psychological care” But the need of the hour is to talk and share, rather than sulk.
Rashi Gaur, spiritual coach, suggests, “Good energy creates good vibrations which act like immunity boosters... Surround yourself with people who want to listen to your problems and don’t judge you.”
SPOTLIGHT: HEALTH & WELLNESS THIS FORTNIGHT, HTCITY WILL THROW THE SPOTLIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH AND RELATED CHALLENGES IN THE WAKE OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS