As the country battles with a brutal second wave of COVID-19, it is only fair that we see spaces around us sincerely devoted to the crisis at hand. Thanks to the cultural spaces on the internet, another important conversation has also been developing parallelly, that around mental health. The pandemic is a globally novel experience, and struggling to make sense of it while managing its impact in the everyday is bound to take a toll on our minds.

In addition to the frontline workers who are struggling to cope with the professional needs that also expose them to first hand witnessing of death and destruction, the pandemic has also targeted senior citizens who find themselves anxious and depressed due to loneliness and social isolation.

“We have nothing to do. Before the lockdown, we used to spend time socialising with others our age. Now I just sit and wait for the time to pass”, says Madhu, a 65-year old retired citizen of Vasant Kunj.

The young generation might be one of the worst affected with a sense of uncertainty about the future and a simultaneous pressure to figure out career options and job opportunities. It is also most likely to suffer from survivor’s guilt and take up responsibilities of providing relief, while feeling burned out themselves.

In many spaces, dynamics of gender and class are bound to make it exceptionally difficult for young people stuck with unsupportive families and forced to relive past traumas on an everyday basis.

If you, too are feeling mentally drained these days, it could be because of one or more of the following reasons:

• Adjusting to remote working/learning
• Dealing with the illness/loss of a loved one
• Being away from family/friends
• Adjusting to a new routine devoid of everyday social spaces

“I guess no one is supposed to know how to deal with it. Even though I’m working, I often find myself getting sucked into a spiral of hopelessness” says Varnita, a 24-year old working professional from Gurgaon.

You might be feeling some/all of these feelings

• Fear of uncertainty in the future
• Feeling of guilt and hopelessness about the surrounding destruction
• Loneliness
• A lack of interest in recreation and enjoyable activities
• Extreme sleeping or insomnia

While many professionals are turning up with free sessions and other methods of providing help where needed, India’s mental health care needs remain largely ignored as professional help is reserved from a vast majority for reasons that have to do with money, access to resources, stigma around mental health, denial or lack of awareness as well as social class.

Mental health professionals suggest the following measures for navigating through one’s mental health in healthier ways:

• Stick to a healthy routine and balanced diet.
• Engage in some form of physical activity, be it walking, dancing, yoga etc.
• Limit your work hours and say no to extra professional burden.
• Indulge in journaling, painting and other expressive hobbies.
• Set small everyday goals and reward yourself.
• Keep in close contact with a healthy network of friends and family.
• If your symptoms continue to worsen, seek mental professional help immediately.