The Pandemic Full of Anxiety

We are ALL facing difficulties right now during lockdown, let’s face it- this is a difficult time in general (you are not alone in feeling the weight and anxiety of what’s happening). Since the outbreak of coronavirus (AKA Covid-19), getting out of the house and buying groceries is not the only issue. Learning how to work virtually, turning your living room or bedroom into an office, or sharing a small space with your roommate or loved ones is HARD. It’s important to be mindful that so many have been facing EXTREME difficulties given their circumstances at home, such as domestic violence, or depression. Socializing was a common methodology for people with mental illnesses to overcome and leave behind their negative thoughts. We have seen a huge rise in mental issues such as anxiety and depression- BUT THERE’S HOPE. We wanted to take the time to share some resources and ways people are suffering can get help, along with informing you about what’s coming our way. You are NOT alone in this.

Federal agencies warn that mental-health problems such as depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide are to hit the country as soon as the pandemic comes to an end. “That’s what is keeping me up at night” says Susan Borja, lead at traumatic stress research program at the National Institute of Mental Health. Isn’t this scary to think about? A federal emergency hotline registered a 1000% increase in emotional distress in April 2020 compared to the same time last year. A hotline run by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported roughly 20,000 texts. Also, Talkspace reported a 65% rise in clients since mid of February. I don’t know about you, but this information is pretty terrifying to me. Moreover, I come from a country with a high record in domestic violence, peer pressure, less to no freedom to make decisions (especially girls/women) so, this data is horrific, because I can certainly understand the kind of effect on people, especially to those not from developed countries. So, if USA has such numbers, could you guess what’s happening elsewhere? Unfortunately, even when the government is well aware of what’s coming, there’s only a small portion of the coronavirus funding allocated to mental health of the people.

The rise in domestic violence has led to mental illnesses that alas end up in suicide. Women and children have been going through a plethora of bad behavior towards them and their bodies, compared to men. I believe that suicide or harming oneself in any way is the worst thing to do because you’re not only hurting yourself but also hurting the ones who feel affectionate towards you and scarring them for the rest of their lives. Given the social distancing regulations that have been going on for months, patients have been going through hardships to communicate well. The world now has endless ways to do wireless distance communication, but it is hardly sufficient for patients with mental illnesses. But if you ever feel the need to talk to someone or feel like doing something terrible that could take you harms way, do not hesitate to share your feelings, because talking ALWAYS WORKS.

Opportunely, some therapists are taking online sessions with patients, while doing all that they can to help the world when in need. The economy is already at a downfall and this mental health wave about to hit us is further going to cause harm because with rise in workers suffering from anxiety would further strain the medical system, said Paul Gionfriddo, Advocacy group President of Mental Health America. With Covid-19 not wanting to leave us alone, a further burden on the medical system is the last thing the world could take. So, as a community we all need to step forward to help the helpless. Some ways that could help the needy from their conditions include humor, some show of support, acknowledge ones’ difficulties and make sure to say how okay it is to feel so in such a situation, and such.

For anybody going through any mental illness, any hardships because of the pandemic or even otherwise, should contact a close one, who you can trust, just to let go of such thoughts or to assist you with problems you’re facing. In case there’s no one you know of to confine to, contact 911 for any emergency, call 1800-662-HELP (4357) for a 24/7 treatment referral and information service run by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). If the situation is not very severe/fatal, find yourself a therapist who could help you talk yourself out of this situation and guide you on to a better and positive path. “It’s up to you today to start making healthy choices. Not choices that are just healthy for your body, but healthy for your mind.”- Steve Maraboli.

Author- Shweta Shetty