AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NEVER BEFORE

How many, from the past or the current generation, have ever experienced such a scenario, wherein the entire nation has been under a lockdown for months? Even though the lockdown called for by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been widely appreciated as the most effective way of containing the spread of Covid19, the lockdown in itself has been taking a toll on people. Social distancing, isolation, closure of schools and offices, restricted movement, and anxiety that prevails over the uncertainty of not getting salaries or losing jobs has been daunting. While much is given to ensuring the virus is stopped in its tracks, and a lot of effort is going into physical well-being of the public, mental well-being of those struggling to cope with the lockdown is being sidestepped. Mental wellness has always been an abstract concept in India. This nation, with a population of 1.3 billion, is still stigmatised on consulting a shrink (this, in most cases, is considered an offensive word!). liberally, to the mental health of our populace, this is the time when psychologists and psychiatrists can take control. Provide counselling sessions to mothers struggling to engage their ever-demanding children; take care of the household chores and also attend to the needs of their spouses. This overburdening can result in high levels of stress, anxiety. Cases of domestic violence have spiked, as perpetrators find ‘ample time’ in company of the victim.

It is also very important for psychologists to speak to kids in these times. They experience fear and confusion just like adults — fear of dying, relatives dying, effect of the illness and effectiveness of the treatment. It is very important to alleviate their fears, give them clarity on what’s going on and at the same time, not give them too much hope that they later despair.

The WHO has announced it is preparing a set of guidelines, addressing mental well-being of those aged between four and 10, which will soon be released.