The Wounded Healer

Mental health has always taken a back seat when compared to physical health. When we define a healthy person, we tend to only look at the absence of any physical health issues. However, as WHO rightly defines health as being “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease” and takes into consideration the whole being.  

Psychological impact of lockdown

Today when the world is under the threat of a pandemic, all necessary measures are being taken by the governments of various nations to control and minimize its spread. Mental or emotional well-being of the people is also being threatened at the same time. The country needs to be locked down to control the spread of the virus, but it is also important that the impact of it on the people be estimated rightly. The fear, tension and anxiety people are facing during these stressful times cannot be ignored. If these issues are not dealt with now, they can leave permanent marks on the lives of people. 

Social distancing vs isolating

Social distancing has become the norm of the day. This form of distancing is observed to be tougher on those who are in their middle ages than on the relatively younger population. Despite its name, the idea however, is to distance physically. Physical distancing is no doubt a necessity right now. Although, it appears as if people are struggling to draw the distinction between physical and social forms of distancing. People end up isolating themselves and lose contact with others, inadvertently distancing themselves from the social support that they can give and receive during these tough times.  

Social media to the rescue

Social media has become a solace for many. Various social media outlets show that people, especially adolescents and young adults, have come up with innovative ways to deal with the situation at hand. Several social media games, challenges, workout videos, cooking videos etc. have come up, which serve as ways for people to cope with the situation. Not everyone is comfortable being inside their house all day long. People with serious issues within their family have nowhere to go, and such smalls activities might help them cope with the current situation.  

Online counselling is better than no counselling

That being said, there are still those who require more assistance that is being provided through social media. This assistance to help cope with and manage their anxiety and stressful thoughts is currently scarce.  Counsellors and psychologists have found ways to reach their clients digitally. But the question still remains – is digital counselling the same as face-to-face counselling? The answer to this question can be very subjective, differing from one individual to another. However, it is also necessary to adapt to changing times, therefore  most counselling centres and mental health facilities have taken the digital route forward to continue to cater to their clients’ needs. Digital counselling is better than no counselling at all. 

During these times, taking care of our mental and emotional well-being is as important as safeguarding ourselves from the virus. Don’t hesitate to take the social support you need, and reach out to counsellors when needed.