Dr Asangba Tzudir
In the current COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of what we hear, see, think, and do have a lot of bearing on our mental health which has injected feelings of depression, anxiety and fear. While even the thoughts about what to cook for the next meal have become monotonous, spare a thought for those who have lost their jobs and are thinking about the uncertain source of their next meal.
The depression of not being able to do certain things because of the lockdown; the uncertain academic calendar and its implications on the career of students; the thoughts of becoming overage for competitive exams; the fear and anxiety caused by all the uncertainties and dangers associated with the COVID-19 pandemic; the economic fallout and the impending hunger pandemic that has opened up another factor for death; the news of surprisingly high positivity rate of those infected with the virus; people dying a lonely death and a painful drama of not being able to say a proper goodbye or give a proper burial of the mortal remains, that death has become more painful; the many deaths – of social, political, economic, cultural and religious activities is slowly building on an edifice that is equally depressing and painful as the physical death. This pandemic has only attested the meaninglessness of life and the many of the things we do in life. All these and more only affects our mental health. For sure, it will direct towards a deteriorating mental health.
So, what should one do about being in a pandemic situation where it is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry? Like there are simple answers to solving the myriad issues causing mental health crisis during this pandemic. It is not as easy as telling someone to see a doctor at a time when the prospect of seeing a doctor is in itself depressing.
However, one may look at some simple healthy ways to cope with mental stress. In this age of information overload, the current pandemic has given rise to an ‘infodemic’ that we tend to stay glued to watching, listening and reading news. It is important to be well-informed but not overtly burden our minds with unnecessary information load. Thus, it is necessary to take good breaks. Besides maintaining a healthy diet to boost mental health, it should be complemented by physical exercises. It is also a time to unwind and reconnect with people.
These are just a few basics, and like disasters, it cannot be fully mitigated and there are many factors and aspects like in the present pandemic which is beyond our control and which is constantly affecting our lives.
While there are many trying to stay away from Coronavirus, many are confronted by the realities of survival while leaving aside the risk of corona infection and engaged in efforts to put food over the table. These are times to help one another especially those in need. And perhaps, helping the needy may turn out to be a good stress buster which will definitely have a positive impact on our mental health while also adding meaning to our lives.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
