A dream that is turning into a nightmare
The much-longed-for break doesn’t seem quite so attractive, now that it has come in the form of enforced isolation. We speak to experts about the impact of the coronavirus-induced social disassociation on mental health.
There’s no need to rush at breakneck speed to get to work on time. There’s no need to go on innumerable, never-ending client visits. The weekends are ours, to just unwind at home — there’s no pressure to spend time and money at crowded clubs. Sounds like a dream, right? Only, the reality, for many of us, is straight out of a nightmare!
When we prayed earnestly for a break from our hectic schedules, who knew that that our wish would be granted in the shape of a global pandemic that has killed thousands? With the COVID-19 situation getting worse with every passing day, many offices have asked their employees to work from home in order to break the spread of the virus. However, life confined to the four walls of a house is practically unknown to most of us. While initially, it seems like a welcome break, the sudden social isolation for quarantine purposes, which none of us was ready for, can have a daunting effect on mental health.
Dr. Aarti Nagpal Mehta, psychologist and assistant professor, says, “I believe the sudden isolation from the social world will definitely take a toll on the mental health of many people. Extroverts and socially active people will find it taxing to stay at home. This change might create feelings of loneliness accompanied by symptoms of depression. In addition, the flood of information on the novel Coronavirus can create health anxiety.”
Dr Aarti points out that, “Many people who are already diagnosed with psychological issues use their work and interactions with friends as means of coping. Withdrawal from these will eventually result in their symptoms being aggravated.”
Swarajya Kopparty, a health psychologist, echoes this concern. She says, “social connectedness is a deeply ingrained human characteristic that has neural, hormonal and genetic mechanisms directly associated with bonding and companionship. The consequences of social isolation can lead to a decline in cognition and mood, and increased sensitivity to threat, alongside a build-up of cortisol concentrations, worsening immune functioning and leading to sleep disruption, and increased body weight.”
She stresses the importance of using this time to do something productive. “One can develop new hobbies, teach children to cook, catch up over the phone with old friend and relatives whom you have not spoken with for a long time, or just to call your grandparents and have a long chat with them”, she suggests.
Interestingly, it is not just extroverts who are hit by social isolation. Whether we are introverts or extroverts, the idea of working from home is not something that many of us are used to. The discipline at the office works as a structure around which productivity revolves. Keerthana B, an advertising professional, is trying to cope with the unfamiliar experience of working from home. She says, “I am an introvert, so not going out suits me just fine. However, working from home is challenging and I usually do not like bringing work home. But now that I have to, I have arranged a small work unit in my house, something like a home office, and keep it distinct from my bedroom, where I like to rest and unwind. Also, having that small corner home office is giving me some semblance of a structure and discipline in order to get my work done.”
Many people who are already diagnosed with psychological issues use their work and interactions with friends as means of coping. Withdrawal from these will eventually result in their symptoms being aggravated — Aarti Nagpal Mehta
One can develop new hobbies, teach children to cook, catch up over the phone with old friends and relatives whom you have not spoken with for a long time, or just call your grandparents and have a long chat with them
— Swarajya Kopparty