Mental Health is Important – Stay aware, Stay positive
COVID-19 is real and so is anxiety, depression and a host of other mental health issues that seem to be rising under the pandemic induced circumstances.
A major part of the anxiety and depression comes from the fear of things spiralling out of control and the helplessness surrounding it. The fear of not being able to help yourself and the loved ones is the most common stress that is being observed in this current scenario. There are numerous other aspects of the life that are being impacted by the pandemic and its consequences and the uncertainty surrounding each of those aspects only adds to the trauma and depression.
But how do we know if one is suffering from mental health problems? Just be on the lookout for these warning signs. It is better to plug the issue while it is still in its nascent stage.
Red Flags that you need to watch out for:
• Too much or too less of eating or sleeping
• Being a recluse
• Low energy or feeling tired and lazy all the time
• Aches and pains for no particular reason
• A feeling of hopelessness
• Feeling confused, angry, upset, worried, or scared
• Screaming or fighting with family and friends
• Severe mood swings
• Self-harm or injuring others
• Unable to perform daily chores
Your response can change everything!
The current situation may seem difficult but it is not as bad as we make it out to be. The helplessness is most of the times dependent on our response. You can always choose to respond different. A change in response can change the situation for good or worse.
So, if you see the red flags listed above in any of your behaviour or that of your loved ones, take a look at these simple steps to get stay stable.
• Stay in touch with your loved ones (friends and relatives)
• Limit your consumption of news on internet and television
• Get involved in indoor activities that are mentally relaxing
• Exercises and walking help. Go outside and connect with nature. But avoid crowded places because we still need to maintain social distancing
• Engage in different kinds activities and stay in the present, don’t let your mind wander away.
• Talk to people if you need any help
• Take out time to meditate and pray. They are the best tools to regain hope and strength in life
First line of defence
Identifying is the first step to diagnosing a mental health issue and that is why doctors believe family and friends are often the first line of defence in the fight against depression. That is why it is important for each person to understand what the signs and symptoms are so that if you spot one of these in a friend or a family member you can advise them to seek help.
First-Aid for Mental Health
Mental Health like any other illness needs treatment, a reason why experts emphasise on it being included in school and college curriculum. Studying and understanding each aspect can help the youth become ambassadors and bring about sweeping reforms in this field.
It is also equally important to empower educators, parents and other primary care givers to regularly engage with young people so that they extend help to those in need. Knowledge regarding first-aid for mental health can help with common concerns like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse and even psychosis. Nipping a problem in its bud can deter people from falling into crisis situations like suicide, trauma and aggressive behaviours.
Strengthen your emotional and spiritual health
Just as a phone connects people across oceans today, a small prayer can be a big tool to connect us with our creator in heaven. Communion with God is an absolute imperative and prayers are the best way to connect with God. Harness the true value of prayers and connect with him. Use it also to help others connect with him.
May God help us get through these tough times… Stay Connected! Stay Positive!
