The effect of 'Social Distancing' on your mental health...
01.
This is an unprecedented situation which most of us haven't experienced before and couldn't have anticipated. In such circumstances, It is natural to feel anxious, worried, sad, scared or even angry at not being able to control or change the situation.
02.
While these emotions are natural, if they begin to significantly interfere with your day-to-day functioning, or if you consistently or repeatedly feel overwhelmed with these emotions, it is recommended to seek professional help. Signs like loss of appetite, sleeping too much or too less, nightmares, frequent complaints of physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, regressive behaviours like throwing tantrums or becoming clingy, noncompliant or aggressive behaviours warrant immediate medical interventions.
03.
Immunity comes in two forms- natural and acquired - as you grow older it becomes acquired and therefore what you eat is very important. Protect yourself and eat nutritious food. Because there is a limitation at this time- you must eat what you get. You are now living a sedentary life which means the calories burnt are less.
Getting 7-9 hours of sleep is important. In addition, regularly engaging in exercise, preferably for 30-45 minutes daily, can help in keeping fit both physically and mentally. When you exercise you release endorphins- which are the feel-good hormones that help cope with stress. One should have a set time to communicate with your friends over the phone or video calls. The key is to not over indulge.
04.
Most people might be experiencing some negative emotions at present, and as a result, feel more vulnerable and irritable. What is essential at this point is to understand that worries and anxieties are natural. So allow your family members to express them. While you may feel and respond differently to the lockdown or other precautionary and safety measures, your loved one may feel differently. Being open and supportive of their emotions is important. In addition, giving each other space and not enforcing your view point is also necessary.
At the same time, take this opportunity to get to know your family. Schedule your meal times together or organise activities like board-games or movie nights. Remember-Everyone is going through the same situation.
05.
One has to classify challenges in these unprecedented times into two categories- things you can control and things you cannot control. Accepting and understanding that lectures and exams being moved online, the loss of routine and uncertainty around grading are things you cannot control. What you can control are creating new coping strategies.
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Keeping a journal helps in order to figure out what you are feeling and what is making you feel this way.
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Maintaining a regular routine and maintaining your study habits as best as you can.
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Another way to look at this situation positively is keeping in mind that we're all in this together- a strong sense of community will bring you comfort.
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While exams are rituals and milestones that are important in a young person's development- health needs to be prioritised. Yes, missing out on these milestones can have an adverse impact, but one can recreate these rituals at a later date.
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It is important to know that your school admin and counsellors are playing a vital role behind the scenes, already communicating with universities on students' behalf so that no one gets further pathologized.
06.
Most mental health apps (recommend to search on the internet) have included mental health and well-being guidelines for the present times. You can check them out. For information, depend solely on credible sources such as WHO, CDC, NHS or your local/national government announcements. Most cities/countries are also introducing mental health helplines (some may be free of cost). However, once again check the credibility of the organisation/helplines and whether or not they have trained professionals offering the services.
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One of the organisations who have started a distress helpline is Poddar Foundation. People can call on 1800-121-0980 to talk to trained volunteers.