“I have got everything every millennial has ever wished for, which is the chance to be at home 24/7, never get out of my PJ's, but every day when I am notified about the rising cases, an unusual paranoia rushes down my spine, making me extremely anxious.” shares Isha Vasavada, 20, student of Amity University, based in Delhi, suffering from Generalized Anxiety disorder. However, she is not the only one.
It has been seven months now, and the world has taken a completely new turn. COVID-19 has caused anxiety and concerns in society, which have globally affected every individual to variable extents. Additional changes like isolation, social distancing, self-quarantine, travel restriction, and the ever-spreading rumors in social media have also significantly impacted an individual's mental health. Perhaps, it is the youngest adults who are suffering the most mental anguish. The sense of helplessness and hopelessness during depression has intensified amongst young minds.
Living through a pandemic is nothing like surviving a natural catastrophe. The uncertainty of it has spread doubts amongst all age groups. The pandemic has caused anxiety among the pregnant population to rise. Women are most concerned about older relatives, then their children, followed by their unborn child. While they imagined pampering themselves during their pregnancy with all sorts of cravings, they have been unfortunately restricted and alarmed. “I am currently in my sixth month, and amidst thousands of mood swings in a day, the fact that I am at a higher risk of being infected gives me a panic attack at least once a day. It is a helpless feeling which shoots my anxiety even more.” says Ishita Gupta, 27, a pregnant housewife, based in Delhi.
According to the Indian Psychiatry Society, the number of mental health cases, including anxiety and depression, has risen 20 percent since the first announced lockdown. Stress levels have been on the rise, with 43% of Indians suffering from depression. According to a new study conducted by GOQii, a smart-tech-enabled preventive healthcare platform, the study surveyed over 10,000 Indians to understand how they have been coping with the new normal. According to the study, 26 percent of respondents were suffering from mild depression, 11% were feeling moderately depressed, and six% were facing severe depression symptoms.
“I am a working woman as well as a housewife. Balancing work from home and a joint family of 22 people has become a rollercoaster ride of emotions for me in this situation. By the end of the day, I am exhausted and anxious about the next day” describes Ayushi Gupta, 26, a strategic analyst at Unilodgers and a housewife based in Delhi. From working women to young adults, every age group has experienced anxiety in their own way during this pandemic.
Fear and anxiety often result from the feeling that we are trapped. During this pandemic, when we are just nodes in an infinite network of the sick, the infected, and those infected but do not seem sick, it is essential to feel that we are not entirely vulnerable. An optimistic mind can only help us pass through this uncertain time as this shall pass too.
Three ways to cope with anxiety during pandemic
• Isha Vasavada, 20, student at Amity University, Noida.
Normalize anxiety. If we normalize anxiety, there is some comfort that comes with knowing that others feel that way, too, and it is okay to have those authentic but complicated feelings."
• Ishita Gupta, 29, housewife based in Delhi
Stay calm. On some days, it will be impossible but try to stay as calm as possible. Breathing exercises and meditation are a great way to calm your soul and lower anxiety.
• Ayushi Gupta, 26, housewife and Strategic Analyst at Unilodgers, Delhi.
Follow a routine and make sure you stick to it. Work from home can be too overwhelming when you are a housewife as well. A routine helps balance work and family time, which comes handy and does not trigger anxiety by the end of the day.