Coronavirus Outbreak: Importance Of Mental Health Amid The COVID-19 Pandemic 

New Delhi: Mental health plays a very crucial role in fighting COVID-19. Owing to the pandemic, many countries including India have implemented various social distancing measures. This has lead to disruptions to people’s to daily routines, as most are restricted from even stepping out of their houses. The pandemic has brought great socio-economic uncertainties, giving rise to increased anxiety, depression, addiction and suicide the world over.

The lockdown extension in India has made people live in fear of losing their businesses, jobs, earnings, savings or even basic resources.

Nishant Rao, a venture capitalist is lucky to be able to handle stress but it’s a tough time for many startups and employees globally. Mr. Rao, the Founding Partner of Avataar Ventures told NDTV,

Mental health is going to a very important issue going forward. Everyone deals with crisis and stress differently but I don’t think everyone is equipped differently. So, I think people need some outlet and mental health will become a more important issue for every company and individual going forward.

Also Read: World Immunisation Week: Out of 100 Active Projects In The World To Develop COVID-19 Vaccine, There Are Six Indian Companies

InnerHour is an app that offers a range of clinical tools and self-help psychological activities, topical content and webinars, bot-based check-ins and voice/video therapy sessions in seven Indian languages. The co-founder of the app that provides mental health discussions a platform, Dr Amit Malik says,

What we are seeing since corona broke out is almost 40-45 per cent increase of the app download of the Innerhour app. We are also seeing an increase of 60-65 per cent increase of number of people taking therapy, also an increase in the number of female users. There are large number of cases being reported like of anxiety, OCD, there is health anxiety especially, fear for your loved ones and relationship difficulty.

Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak Explained: What Is The Post-Pandemic Stage? 

The elderly and children have also been impacted. Dr Parneet Sidhu, Clinical Psychologist, Consultant, Fortis Hospital, Mohali told NDTV,

For the elderly there is helplessness and loneliness and even children routine has changed from what it was like regular school, meeting friends. This could lead to stress related issues and irritability and it is natural to feel stressed but following the mental health pyramid of  eating, exercising and sleeping is important. Exercise for 40 minutes, eat healthy food and not junk, packaged food and good sleep. This is about social and not emotional distancing so stay connected with loved ones.

The COVID 19 pandemic will help us realise the importance of a healthy mind. While the sanitisers, disinfectants and masks may keep the infection at bay, but it’s our calm mind that will fight the feeling of uncertainty and anxiety.