The tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput shook the entire film industry and the country. Ironically, the actor, who was seen teaching his on-screen son in his film Chhichhore to never give up in life despite hurdles and failures, could not keep up with his own pressures and met an unfortunate end. His death has sparked a debate on loneliness and mental health in the entire country. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the cases of depression and suicide have increased and it has become more important to address the elephant in the room. Anyone can succumb to mental illness despite fame, money or success and thus, it is important to seek professional help and talk to therapists to unload the trauma.
The doctors who are at the frontline in the battle against the pandemic are more prone to mental breakdowns due to constant pressure, workload, risk of infections, etc. Even though burnout and exhaustion are quite common among doctors, the mental health of the healthcare workers cannot be ignored.
Dr Puneet Khanna, Consultant and HoD, Respiratory Medicine, Manipal Hospitals, says, “Covid-19 is affecting the mental wellbeing of healthcare workers on three fronts: first, the disease burden, morbidity and mortality that you see around due to this disease and suffering. Since many patients who are getting infected and suffering are our old patients and to see their health deteriorate is affecting us. Second, it is the huge burden of the influx of the virus coupled with fatigue of long shifts, PPE and healthcare policies. Third, healthcare workers are scared for themselves and family. Lack of sleep due to long shifts is increasing anxiety, depression or other forms of mental stress.”
Dr Prakriti Poddar, Director Poddar Wellness Ltd and Managing Trustee of Poddar Foundation, adds: “Currently, healthcare workers feel insecure and anxious at times. The disease can be contracted by anyone which makes their workplace risky. At the hospital, they are constantly thinking of their health, seeing their patients suffer. Moreover, precautions are not stringent in many hospitals due to lack of safety gear. They also have to spend a lot of time away from their families which can cause separation anxiety coupled with stress”.
To alleviate these issues, doctors are trying to limit the shifts to four to six hours, taking breaks, proper dieting and doing breathing exercise or relaxation activity at the workplace with positive mindsets. Dr Abhinav Aggarwal, Internal Medicine Resident, GTB Hospital, chooses to stay in his flat in the same building as his parents and not a hotel since that makes him feel better. Agarwal says, “I keep interacting with friends who work in other Covid-19 special hospitals as they are going through a similar phase. It does get exhausting at times. Around 7-8 people in my department have already tested Covid-19 positive so we do understand the risk.”
Others are no less under stress these days. Fearmongering, hoax and lack of awareness of coronavirus are seen as a reason behind developing anxiety, stress and fear among common individuals as well. Dr Puneet Khanna says that patients with mental health issues, in recent times, are a common sight in hospitals. “We get two to three patients every day who have a known case of anxiety disorder and now because of corona, their anxiety has gone up. Also, some patients who had respiratory diseases before and now they are anxious if these symptoms are due to Covid-19. Constant bombardment of news about coronavirus is naturally making people scared or anxious as negative news is always taken more seriously,” he says.
Talking about how are the patients in isolation wards and those fighting with coronavirus dealing with mental health issues, Dr Sunit Mediratta, Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospital says, “One of the major challenges of treating Covid-19 patients has been managing their anxiety and fear psychosis which occasionally leads to depression. Long periods of physical isolation without an adequate and convincing explanation accompanied by financial losses take a toll on mental health. Talking with them about specific anxieties is one of the best ways to reduce it and loneliness and boredom during isolation. Patients are encouraged to do activities they enjoy and we also connect them with their near ones through calls. They are advised to take breaks from watching and reading news about Covid-19. People in isolation and quarantine should avoid alcohol and drugs.”
The nationwide lockdown has forced people to stay indoors. The situation has resulted in rise of domestic violence cases, difficulties for pregnant women and rift within families. Couples, who are agonised because of divorce or domestic violence are finding it difficult to manage their mental health in lockdown. Dr Aditi Sinha, Lead Counsellor, Soul’s Connect, says: “Recently, I have seen a spate of separations and talk of divorces amongst the younger generation. Suddenly they are pushed into this closed situation, where each one is exposed to the negativities of their respective partners, sometimes leading to domestic violence. Low frustration tolerance exists in these couples which bring in rifts.”
Swati Sawhney, Director, The Centre of Healing, says, “This is the worst situation that can happen to humans. During pregnancy, women take a lot of stress as they tend to overthink about the delivery and the process. This pandemic is making it worse for them as they are more worried about the new-born. Watching and reading news daily is making a negative impact on their mind. People are in pain as they don’t have any job, some are even suffering from high stress and anxiety.”
Experts feel that stress and anxiety can be managed by making simple lifestyle, dietary changes and also by speaking up. Dr Anju Sharma, Psychiatrist, Sound & Energy Masters, says, “My advice for people who were dealing with a mental health disorder before the pandemic is to communicate with closed ones and seek professional help as the current scenario can aggravate it. I would also recommend indulging in creative art or playing with the colours. Another way to heal is breathing exercise or chanting ‘AUM’.”
Meanwhile, several NGOs are using tele-counselling to make individuals understand that they are not alone and can deal with the coronavirus crisis in a healthy manner. Santanu Mishra, co-founder and executive trustee, Smile Foundation, says, “We have mobilised our team of trained doctors, nurses and counsellors associated with us. Our trained medical professionals have been making several thousand calls to identify patients of mental trauma and angst.”
The current situation has brought about a surge in anxiety levels, certainly wrecking mental health. Thus, a wholesome diet coupled with rich nutritive elements is a defensive mechanism, while an unhealthy diet can further trigger depression and stress. Dr Siddhant Bhargava, nutritionist and cofounder, Food Darzee, says: “Vitamins present in the body facilitate the function of enzymes that allow reactions such as the amalgamation of serotonin, which plays a vital role in boosting happiness. Meanwhile reducing sugar intake can majorly help in enhancing immunity and mental wellbeing. When you start taking charge of your health by refining your diet habits, your moods start picking up and this is a major antidepressant.”
“People with a stronger immune system are much more likely to have a better chance of staying away from coronavirus and also of survival if at all the virus gets them. To ensure a strong immune system consume Vitamin C, zinc and iron. To boost your mental health, consume the anti-anxiety food such as brazil nuts, mushrooms, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and bananas, fatty fish, vitamin D, eggs, dark chocolate, turmeric, chamomile, yoghurt and green tea in your daily diet,” says Preety Tyagi, lead health coach, nutritionist and founder of My22BMI.
Nutritionist Nupuur Patil believes that for stronger immunity and staying healthy, people should exercise daily, have Vitamins and eat healthily. Without a healthy mind, a fit body is of no use. “Mental fitness and emotional well-being needs strength too. When you first wake up in the morning, while still lying on your bed and your eyes still closed, imagine yourself to be in a happy and joyous mood,” she adds