Coping With The Pandemic Of Anxiety, Fear And Stress

All religions advocate prayer and meditation as a sure means of attaining joy, peace and tranquillity.

- Joe Eruppakkatt

The coronavirus pandemic had forced a 20-year-old MBBS student, studying in Russia, to return to her home in India in July 2020. As she landed in India, she was quarantined in a house where she was all by herself. Five days later she ended her life by hanging from a ceiling hook. She took the extreme step due to anxiety, fear and mental stress of being under surveillance and in total isolation. One can imagine how she longed for emotional support and encouragement from her dear ones. But all what she got was the loneliness of fearsome nights, countless hours of boring days and a home empty of human presence.

Anxiety disorder is a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. It causes fear and stress to many, especially as they are compelled to change their routines, lifestyle, plans and programmes. We are at a juncture when nothing can be planned for future. It is a distressing, frightening and worrisome time. Even after 7-8 months, since it first appeared, new cases are still on the rising spree.

Educational institutions have remained closed for several months now. Those who have given examinations are unable to obtain the results. There are millions who have not been able to give exams or get promoted to a new academic year. Others have completed their study and yet unable to pass out from their college and try their luck in the job market.

It is hard for most people to handle the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. They fall into a state of panic, tension, worry, nervousness, irritability and unease. They are unable to concentrate on anything properly. Anxiety disorder can lead people to the extremes of avoiding work, school, friends, and social events. In the worst scenario, such a state can cause depression and even the thought of ending one’s life. Here are some simple ways of how we can cope up with our anxieties.