The Demons Within

Staying confined at home can mess with your mind at several levels. We speak to mental health practitioners for solutions

- Aasheesh Sharma

Lockdown 2.0 will continue into the first week of May. More than a month of staying confined within your home can mess up your mind at several levels. It could be the disruption of your work routine, having to deal with the logistics of working from home, missing the face-to-face meetings and banter with your colleagues or something as simple as your everyday walk in the park.

Some of us may make a big deal out of not getting a haircut. But there are others out there who are fighting bigger demons of the mind. Mansi Thakker, psychologist and outreach associate, M-Power – The Foundation, says the concept of social distancing runs contrary to human nature. “It can invoke feelings of loneliness and helplessness in people. They cannot meet their friends, co-workers or hit the gym anymore to reduce their distress. Those with mental illnesses can be very vulnerable at times like these, hence it becomes very important for us to be proactive in taking care of our mental health during these trying times,” says Dr Thakker.

THE PROBLEM

Dr. Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Programme, Fortis Healthcare, says it is natural for people to feel anxious as a result of Covid-19 – both in terms of one’s health and also the uncertainty that the future holds. “These feelings can be heightened for individuals who are staying alone, or those already vulnerable to feeling more anxious. At the same time, people may struggle to cope with the demands of household chores, managing children and at the same time remaining productive while working from home.”