The coronavirus pandemic is not only impacting people physically, but it is also taking a toll on their mental health. Moreover, staying cooped up at home for days during lockdown has made things even worse.
Deccan Herald recently reported that according to mental health experts, COVID-19 coupled with lockdown has triggered an increase in the cases of stress, anxiety and domestic violence in Goa. There has also been a considerable increase in the number of SOS calls from those suffering from anxiety.
But it’s not just you and me who are struggling to keep sane in such difficult times. Even B-town celebs felt that the stress during the lockdown did get to them. Talking about how she had a panic attack after the initial days, ‘4 More Shots’ actor Maanvi Gagroo said to Hindustan Times, “Initially, I was like ‘Thank God, I have this time on my hand to do nothing, guilt-free’.”
“After two-three days into the lockdown, I had a bit of a breakdown.”
“I saw the news about the migrant workers, and started crying, and spiralled out of control. I spoke to my family and friends, they calmed me down. It was a bit of a panic attack, but I soon felt calmer,” Maanvi added.
Hindustan Times also reported how ‘Makdee’ actor Shweta Basu Prasad had to seek help from mental health experts when she felt vulnerable. Talking about the same, she said, “I spoke to my therapist and asked if we could do a session over a video call. I’m really worried about my mental health and I don’t want to lose sanity at such a time.”
“I started therapy in December. I’ve had two sessions and then I was completely fine. But now, recently, I’ve been feeling uneasy again.”
“And that’s when I reconnected with my therapist,” said the 29-year-old actor adding that mental health is paramount and we should focus on our well-being at such crucial times. Shweta who lives alone shared how she keeps herself away from negativity.
“I’ve started a detox from my phone. I don’t use it all the time.”
“There’s so much uncertainty, it can easily take a toll on your mental health.” She has also made it a point to see her family even during this lockdown.
Through her social media, she urged people to spread positivity:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-FepFUhmGu/?utm_source=ig_embed
In an interview with BBC, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine said that the lockdown is stressful for many people.
The Duke divulged how anxious he was when his father, the Prince of Wales, was tested positive for COVID-19. “I have to admit, at first I was quite concerned, he fits the profile of somebody, at the age, he is at, which is fairly risky,” said Prince William adding that he hopes he would recover soon.
The royal couple further added that people need to look after their mental health during such unprecedented times.
“If we are going to go forward with more time spent in lockdown, then there is going to be an ever-increasing need for people to look after their mental health and take it seriously and also know where to go to get the support they might need.”
Staying put at a place for so many days can definitely have an adverse effect on our mental health. And looking at the current situations when coronavirus fatalities are increasing with every passing day, we don’t actually know when everything will get back to normal. At such times, it is advisable to stay connected with family, distract ourselves from negativity and seek help from professionals if need be. Take care, guys!