Minding the mind

mmi Waraich

As I arrived at the hospital, the line of patients was long and serpentine. All the patients and attendants were being screened for symptoms of fever and flu. Many older doctors were not visiting the OPD but doing video consults; so were many young doctors. As I went around, Dr Sonia Gandhi, a dietician, told me how people were stressed out just from getting vegetables in and washing them and the fear of getting infected by vegetable vendors. She would advise them to do the washing and cleaning without stressing about it. Mostly, Indian cooking anyway destroys the virus, she told them. While taking precautions is wise, one should not worry incessantly. Rather accepting that the situation would stay this way for the next few months would help obviating unnecessary stress.

Old and new anxieties

One could see how people around us are wary and full of anxiety. Many have asked their maids to not come in for the next two months, at least till the picture clears up. They have old parents, in some cases with illnesses, and the risk of them getting infected is far too unnerving for them. So, Anil, while he steps out to go to his electrical goods store on alternate days, is careful about his mask and keeps a safe distance from others and ensures his employees do the same. On returning, he first washes his hands and changes. His wife has a history of asthma and he does not wish to unnecessarily put her at risk. His sister came home briefly for the first time since the lockdown and she avoided hugging her mother, for no one knew where the virus lurks.

Across offices, people are careful, some more than others. As a young man asked me, “Is it safe for me to return to work? What if I give the illness to my parents?” With the lockdown easing off, these are the new fears. Gudiya works as a maid. Her husband found his alcohol all through the lockdown and continues to do so. Her daughter and she were the bread-earners, but are now at home. They live in a rented accommodation. Her neighbour, Reeta, has had a rough last week. Her husband ran out of alcohol and began screaming at night, seeing snakes all around him. He had to be taken to hospital, where he calmed down after medication.

Hearing about the increasing number of patients and spread of the virus has been anxiety evoking for many prone to anxiety. Others question how long will this last? Will there be enough ventilators and beds at the time of peak infection? Has the government improved health facilities or just given false reassurance amounting to zilch?

Anxieties people will face when they return to work:

n Continuing fears about an unseen foe which could infect them and their family members.

n Stress hormone rises in times of uncertainty, leading to unexplained anxiety, depression and fatigue.

n Neglect of self care and ensuing worsening of existing illnesses, along with depression for those living alone.

n Absenteeism from work.

n Fear of losing jobs and an uncertain financial future.

n Worries about family members for those working away from home.

Many in quarantine have been reporting anxiety, low mood, and the feeling of insecurity which may persist for months. The fear of testing positive and complete isolation can be daunting. Families of healthcare workers working go through this fear daily. So, how can they and others cope with it?

Coping with stress

n Some keep their spirits up through frequent video calls. Platforms providing for more than four persons to connect are the new rage. Stress hormones are kept at bay by having long chats with friends and family. Being able to see the faces while talking and the smiles can be therapeutic.

n People have found succour in gardening or watching the koels and an occasional shikra from their balconies.

n Walkers have returned with their masks, observing social distancing, to rejuvenate their bodies and souls.

n Online meditation and deep breathing sessions are the new normal.

n Badminton, carom board, snakes and ladders, card games are helping people stave off the boredom.

n Many are going out of their way to help migrant workers, out of job plumbers, carpenters, etc.

n Many are simplifying their lives and preparing for an era of fewer needs.

Yet, the fear remains…

It is something many live with but do not reveal. Those who deal with it successfully can see the difference the lack of anxiety brings. It brings quietude and the ability to focus on what is important. It allows one to appreciate little things in life and be thankful for them. So let us work on a plan for anxiety and learn to deal with it. It will allow us to live a much fuller and meaningful life. People work on their looks, their weight, on their high cholesterol, etc. We can work on our mental health too!

Lessons from the past

The bubonic plague came to India in 1897. In 1901, it devastated many Punjab towns. People were moved to camps and their houses were fumigated by the British. They were not allowed to return for two months to their homes. Smallpox wreaked similar havoc, with one in ten dying. Having lived through these epidemics, wars and the Partition has, perhaps, made Indians resilient, which is why post-traumatic stress disorder is less common here.

— The writer is a noted psychiatrist