On this day of World Mental Health Day, the whole world is battling the pandemic. Strictly speaking, it is not just pandemic people are fighting. Times like this also come with mental health.
While revving up the last day of 2019 with a glass of wine and few hugs and kisses, no one would have pondered about spending the next few months inside their living room. From rushing to reach the office on time to waiting for the laptop to boot, 2020 definitely had a huge impact on everyone’s lifestyle. This big shift in our daily routine has affected man both mentally and emotionally.
World Mental Health Day 2020
Recent studies conducted across different parts of the world showed an increased rate of people affected by mental health issues. People are isolated, lonely and eventually surrender to depression and anxiety. The same is the case with India too.
Consider the case of South Indian State Tamilnadu. Three students were found dead in the home before the National Entrance Eligibility Test. Some of the notes survived by them said that they were afraid to take the exam because they might not be able to perform well. These students feared that they might not be able to clear the exam and get into good MBBS Colleges. Similar cases were also reported from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and many others.
World Mental Health Day
10 October 2020A day to raise awareness that your mental health matters every day and that there is help. Talking helps and If you don’t know where to go to talk please go to your GP.#mentalhealthawarenessday #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters pic.twitter.com/6BkNrxwh7M
— Vinnie Jones (@VinnieJones65) October 10, 2020
It is not just students, who are suffering from emotional issues during these times of crisis. Several sectors were affected by the pandemic since the virus began to spread. Most of the working class and middle-class people committed suicide due to financial issues. Many had lost their jobs and found it difficult to meet the ends.
WHO is Worried About Mental State After COVID-19?
In some other cases, people are taking their life fearing that they might get infected by the virus. Others were anxious that they might pass the disease to their loved ones.
Remember that struggling with your #MentalHealth doesn’t make you weak or any less of a person. Living life, showing up and being present with anxiety and depression takes so much strength. So please remember that’s it’s ok not to be ok. #MentalHealthAwarenessDay pic.twitter.com/h5w3FgYllB
— James Sharp (@JamesSharp87) October 10, 2020
In order to contain the spread of coronavirus during the pandemic, the several States of India, including Kerala and TamilNadu, had put the opening of liquor shops and bars on hold. This led to people suffering from withdrawal symptoms and eventually taking their own life. Strange cases, where a person drank sanitizer for alcohol, were also reported.
A survey conducted by Thejesh GN, Kanika Sharma, Krushna and Aman reported that at least 133 people committed suicide during the period of lockdown because of the fear of getting infected, loneliness, infection and inability to go home. The reports also said that 49 people died due to sudden withdrawal problems. AIIMS, Patna, reported that at least 30 per cent of their patients were mentally disturbed.
With the lockdown, people get easily depressed and I have had the same feeling which made me sick, but I'm good now and I hope all of you are good too, take some time to care people around you or seek help if needed, do feel free to chat anytime, tc????#MentalHealthAwarenessDay pic.twitter.com/cMZy7T7gdQ
— yann ²⁹ (@yannCFC) October 10, 2020
WHO urges governments to address the mental issue crisis?
WHO are already asking authorities around the world to keep a track on mental issues prevailing in their country. It said.
“Bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear of triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones. Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use, insomnia, and anxiety. Meanwhile, Covid-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation and stroke.” Fear and anxiety may lead to unfortunate outcomes. The need of the hour is to spread more light into the mental health crisis.
