The Asian Age

CORONA: Mental health lockdown

Coronaviru­s might heal but its psychologi­cal impacts may last a long time, say experts

- SWATI SHARMA

Imagine a person who is afraid of closed spaces but is compelled to stay isolated in his house. No more morning and evening walks. Children away from school, friends, peer groups and classes. Imagine people stuck in their homes with domestic violence or some form of estrangeme­nt between couples. These are the disasters we have only seen in films. But with the novel coronaviru­s or COVID-19, it is important to think of the impact it will have in our lives for the years to come. “Most of the impact will be on youngsters and children because parents are getting irritable with issues such as financial difficulti­es. We are forced to come out of our comfort zone because we are so used to living a particular lifestyle. The uncertaint­y and fear are horrible,” says Dr Purnima Nagaraja, Psychiatri­st and Therapist, Dhrithi Wellness Clinic. Experts believe the impact may last longer than the virus. “Post-traumatic stress disorder — the trauma of staying home, the trauma of not working, financial irregulari­ties, being homeless, etc. — deep traumas. People get nightmares, are irritable and get anxiety panic attacks. Then there is obsessive compulsive disorder, where children are forced to wash their hands, so they become paranoid,” Dr Purnima says. “There is already many obsessivec­ompulsive disorder cases around, even among people who have not shown such symptoms before, thanks to contentiou­sly washing hands and surfaces, washing vegetables, keeping fridge clean, etc.” According to Dr Purnima, all these contribute to an obsessive disorder. “These impacts will remain for a very long time even after the virus has left the stratosphe­re. We will still be worried about washing our hands and cleanlines­s,” warns Dr Purnima.

“Once the lockdown is over, the job of mental health profession­als may double up. For one, children will need more psychologi­cal attention. Social distancing for a child will be very difficult — not being allowed to go out and play, not being allowed to run on roads etc. Children can get frustrated which will raise anger, irritation and behaviour patterns like never before.” DR PURNIMA NAGARAJA, Psychiatri­st and Therapist, Dhrithi Wellness Clinic

Man is a social animal and needs friends and people around. In fact, newspapers reported of many in Spain being impacted because there was nobody on the roads.

Anju Khemani, founder of the Drama Associatio­n of the Deaf (DAD), echoes sombre thoughts of what lies ahead. “I don’t think humankind has ever been this high on hubris. I agree COVID-19 has altered the society temporaril­y, but I am not sure if people will remain altered that way because we tend to forget. Technology, lopsided economy and demagogic politics create a sense of being invincible. Though for now the pandemic is holding a mirror to us, I doubt if it will bring us on our knees. People will horde more, discrimina­te more and work towards self-preservati­on,” warns Anju. “And the children are going to learn the same.”

Anju talks about the millions who need help and all those who are scared to help. “Understand­ably, perhaps. But I cannot even imagine what is going to happen to the millions of workers in the unorganise­d sector. Their lives will change forever. Their losses, both of life and livelihood, will be beyond repair. So many are returning homes across borders and cities with families. Their children will not forget the exodus,” she adds.

However, Shilpa Datla, entreprene­ur and mother, who sees the virus as a great leveller, shares a different perspectiv­e. “The virus has been affecting people irrespecti­ve of their wealth and social status. You could be Prince Charles or a common man... you are susceptibl­e to circumstan­ces. So, a great learning to kids, making them aware of the situation. That could be one line of thought,” she chips in. “I don’t, however, think attitudes will change significan­tly. The human behaviour has evolved over millennia through countless interactio­ns, and it is unlikely even during the event like the COVID19 pandemic that long-term behaviours would change. In a manner that 9/11 changed security and travel precaution­s, businesses would start building business continuity and business recovery plans.”

PSYCHIATRI­STS BEWARE! Once the lockdown is over, the job of mental health profession­als may double up. For one, children will need more psychologi­cal attention. “Social distancing for a child will be very difficult — not being allowed to go out and play, not being allowed to run on roads etc.,” she points out. “So, children can get frustrated which will raise anger, irritation and behaviour patterns like never before. Moreover, it is a difficult period for parents too, holding a child down at home or a room. No matter how big your house is, this paranoia will surely cause frustratio­n. Sometimes, not being in control of a situation can affect your thoughts and minds.” Dr Purnima also thinks the anxiety will not leave us for a long time. “People will say let’s meditate on this as things are going to be harsh. Nobody is going to come out of this. But we will have to try and come out of it without fear, even though these scars may stay on forever,” she says signing off.

I agree COVID-19 has altered the society temporaril­y, but I am not sure if people will remain altered that way because we tend to forget. Though for now the pandemic is holding a mirror to us, I doubt if it will bring us on our knees. People will horde more, discrimina­te more and work towards self-preservati­on

Anju Khemani, founder of the Drama Associatio­n of the Deaf (DAD)

The virus has been affecting people irrespecti­ve of their wealth and social status. You could be Prince Charles or a common man... you are susceptibl­e to circumstan­ces. So, these a great learning to kids, making them aware of the situation

Shilpa Datla, entreprene­ur

 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India