Mental Health Concerns during COVID 19 - All in the Mind - Dr Sangeetha Madhu and RK Shivani

Mental Health Concerns during COVID 19 - All in the Mind 

COVID 19, a global pandemic is changing our daily lives changing the way we work, socialise, travel, exercise, shop and basically, live. From daily bulletins on the television to minute by minute social media updates on your phone screens, it has caused considerable distress to every individual on a global level. As days pass by, stress levels seem to escalate bordering panic and chaos and it is important to take precautionary measures for sustaining mental well-being in a time of crisis like this.

Why should mental health be prioritised?

Stress responses are behavioural manifestations that result from negative emotions. Typically, these are found to be marked by impulsivity. Another interesting finding is that people tend to mimic each other’s behaviours and emotions while experiencing stress in a collective context. This indicates that appropriate coping styles and coping responses are beneficial on an individual and a community level to combat the current scenario. On the other hand, stress temporarily affects immune system functioning which might serve as a health hazard if uncontrolled.

How to enforce prioritisation?

1. Digital wellness

Try to limit intake of current affairs in such times by avoiding possible sources of misinformation. It is important to stay informed but consider that constant updates might cause more harm than benefit.

2. Social connectivity

Stay connected with your loved ones through digital means. Share worries with them if any and utilise sources of social support around you. Similarly, try providing support to your loved ones. 

3. Cognitive well-being

Set aside time for leisurely activities apart from work. Engage in cognitively stimulating tasks and pick up new hobbies to handle solitude. 

A time of crisis like this indeed poses a challenge to many of us. However, by working together and picking one another up, we shall go a long way ahead.

References:

●      Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Situations (2020). ‘Briefing Note on Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak’ Version 1.1. 

●      Damir Huremović (2019) Psychiatry of Pandemics: A Mental Health Response to Infection Outbreak. Springer Nature, Switzerland. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-030-15346-5

●      https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Dr Sangeetha Madhu , a clinical psychologist and Leadership expert & Shivani RK presenting articles related to well being, leadership/personal development, cognitive mastery, positive emotions, building resilience and relationships.