Bollywood Bats For Mental Health Awareness Amid The COVID-19 Pandemic

New Delhi: The lockdown imposed in the country to contain the spread of the highly contagious novel coronavirus has given a lot of people time for themselves. The fast pace life, the rut of the daily routine has come to a stop, as people are confined in their homes to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. But being confined at home can also lead to an increased risk of mental health issues.  Many Indian mental health experts have said that owing to this lockdown, and the prevailing uncertainty about the pandemic itself and its fallout on the economy and jobs, the number people reaching out for psychiatric help has increased. Many celebrities and well-known personalities have been stressing on the importance of staying positive in these trying times. Actress Deepika Padukone who after successfully overcoming her struggles with depression in 2014, started her own NGO the Live, Love, Laugh Foundation to create awareness on mental health in India, took to her social media to share her curated wellness guide for people trying to cope with the difficult times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deepika, who went public about her battles with mental health to fight the stigma attached to such ailments, asked people not to hesitate to seek support when going through emotional turmoil.

Do not hesitate to seek support when you are feeling overwhelmed. #YouAreNotAlone.  Click on my Instagram Wellness Guide for ideas and advice on nurturing your #MentalHealth during this period of uncertainty and beyond, she tweeted.

https://twitter.com/deepikapadukone/status/1262396752948277248?s=20

Also Read: Prolonged Self-isolation Due To Lockdown May Make Humans Feel Depressed, Powerless, Says Israeli Professor

In her mental wellness guide, Deepika shares a list of daily routine activities for taking care of the mind and coping with stress and anxiety.

While Deepika Padukone has been one of the most prominent and vocal warrior for the cause of mental health, this time around, more celebs have joined the cause.

Veteran Actor Anil Kapoor shared motivational post on his Instagram account, where he said that our mind is the one part of the body we have to work the hardest on, he wrote,

Some mornings are tougher than others. Some days I would rather hide another hour under the covers . But my work out, my fitness regime will still be waiting when I do roll back the covers. That’s why our mind plays such an important part in any health drive. The long-term solution to fighting microbes like Covid-19 is not complete isolation or endless disinfecting, but building immunity of the body and mind to fight any such external aggravators, because this is not the first or the last one…Our mind is the one part of the body we have to work the hardest on, and yet the results of this hard work may not always be manifest to others. There is no mind bicep to flex no brain six pack to show off . But mind is what will make the difference to a successful health kick. Every day, the first thing I flex is the power of my mind to get up get rolling , move beyond what obstacles it has placed in my way , remove what clouds of doubt have come over me . If you think you can, you will. If you think you can’t, you won’t. Either way, you will prove yourself right . So embrace the mind and start your day by first flexing your will power and your resolve.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CACjVSoBhLf

Also Read: Look After Your Mental Health During Coronavirus, Experts Predict Rise In Cases Of Anxiety And Panic

Another Bollywood star, Richa Chadha took to Instagram to pen down a note, stressing on the need to maintain mental health in the times of coronavirus outbreak. The note which she shared on World Health Day read,

Today is #WorldHealthDay ! My brother took this photo for me… Like so many people, I had been waking up with ANXIETY in the first week of this lockdown… I would get up and immediately check the death toll from this lethal virus and feel extremely sad… I’d worry about the migrant labour, daily wagers and the homeless people, have sleepless nights after looking at their images or watching the news… The thought of the crashing economy would make me so nervous… I felt , I could tap into the energy of the universe and it was so heavy…So I made it a habit to get up and #meditate every day… and of course I am using comedy to alleviate stress all around… ! Today is #WorldHealthday and a lot of people will speak about #coronavirus , as they should… But this #lockdown, #socialdistancing, #selfisolating is not going to be easy for our #MENTALHEALTH.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-q276Yj1RY

Also Read: Experts Hint At A Rise In Mental Illness Due To COVID-19, Suggest Inculcating Positive Thoughts

Last month, many celebrities came together to support the ‘Talk 1 on 1’ initiative by the Maharashtra government, aimed to help people deal with coronavirus lockdown stress.

Maharashtra Government’s helpline number – 1800-120-820-050, is answered by mental health professionals who help people with their anxiety issues, depression, paranoia, and other mental health issues, was heavily supported by Bollywood, as superstars like Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan and Ajay Devgan shared the cause on their social media accounts.

Put your distress to rest, said Akshay Kumar.

Put your distress to rest. The government of Maharashtra, BMC and Mpower 1on1 have created a free helpline to ensure that you don’t feel alone. Call 1800-120-820-050 to speak to a mental health professional. #LetsTalk1on1 @mybmc pic.twitter.com/FvkTRF3toe

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 3, 2020

The government of Maharashtra, BMC and Mpower 1on1 have created a free helpline to support you at this difficult time. Call 1800-120-820050 to speak to a mental health professional, tweeted Hritik Roshan.

The government of Maharashtra, BMC and Mpower 1on1 have created a free helpline to support you at this difficult time. Call 1800-120-820050 to speak to a mental health professional. #LetsTalk1on1 @NeerjaBirla @AUThackeray @mybmc pic.twitter.com/KZDEU5OhuM

— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) April 3, 2020

Staying mentally happy is as important as staying physically fit, says Ajay Devgan.

Staying mentally happy is as important as staying physically fit.@mybmc and Mpower 1on1 have created a free helpline to support you at this difficult time. Call 1800-120-820050 to speak to a mental health professional. #LetsTalk1on1 #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/AqmVTvDKta

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) April 3, 2020