As we work with Covid fear, therapy is key, feels Shweta
It’s been six months since the lockdown, followed by several stages of unlock across the country. Shweta Tripathi Sharma wonders what being at home for so long, with no social life and under economic strain, does to one?
The actor believes that it might drive people into a space of emotional turmoil and that it’s essential to discuss mental health at length. With a number of people feeling uncertainty about their future, the Gone Game actor feels, “A detailed conversation around mental health must ensue during the unlock phase. Considering people are stepping out to work even amidst the fear of Covid-19, it’s important to conduct counselling and therapy sessions to put people at ease. Over and above,
lockdown experiences are different from case to case but the phase has been riddled with existential questions. It is also important that trained professionals conduct sessions to address fears and worries of those in the entertainment industry.”
She feels just saying how toxic everything is, is counter-productive. “That simply names the problem. But what is the solution? It’s important that all in this industry or otherwise seek help from trained professionals to help channelise their stress. Since we are part of a creative industry, we need to be at peace to do our best work. The larger conversation on mental health is conspicuously missing and I hope we can have that conversation as we return to the sets. It won’t be easy shooting amid restrictions. We all need help in tackling the anxiety that working on the set could incur,” she adds.