Pandemic-induced lockdowns have become a way of life. After talking to a few clinical psychologists, Christy Varghese realises how important it is to change our response to reality when we cannot change our reality
While the first case of the novel Coronavirus in India was detected on January 27, 2020, it did not affect the common citizens until the end of March, when a three-week nationwide lockdown was announced. And then there were drastic changes in our lives, the way we knew it. Exams were indefinitely postponed. The academic calendar has been in a disarray since last year. For many students, online classes were a luxury because they did not have access to devices or a data connection. Offices encouraged employees to work from home, some of them even providing the equipment needed to facilitate such a change. Domestic helps were out of a job for months on end. But things gradually slipped into a routine. Families, which stayed apart for a huge portion of the day, have since gotten used to being around each other for extended periods. The maids are back at work. Children have settled into online classes even though they might not be completely happy with these.
If we say things have changed in these 14 months, it would be almost akin to an understatement. Besides observable events, there are other incidents happening in the background which are just as noteworthy, if not more. While, on the surface, children and adults have got used to being away from their peers and colleagues, other issues chipping away at their mental health. According to psychiatrist and Founder & Director of The Happy Tree, De-addiction And Mental Health Hospital, Dr Anuneet Sabharwal, “It can be easily observed that lack of structure and routine is causing significant stress among children. College students and school-going children alike are experiencing increased levels of anxiety because they are not able to meet their friends and attend classes physically. Similarly, working from home (WFH) has created many mental health challenges for the working class as it has been observed that the eponymous model has led to greater emotional exhaustion and cognitive distress. The lack of physical connection and social support that one requires from ones colleagues is leading to more stress. Setting boundaries happen to be an integral part of the WFH model, the lack of which results in an increasing urge to work for longer periods leading to rising levels of stress and anxiety impacting the long term productivity of the employees.”
However, clinical psychologist, author and Harvard alumni, Dr Rajat Mitra, approaches it from a different perspective and believes that it has its share of positives as well. He shared that one prominent benefit which cannot be denied happens to revolve around families, which would spend most of the day away from each other. People who constitute such families have had an opportunity to examine themselves and their relationship with their near (pun unintended) and dear ones. “While parents are still engrossed with work, they now have a chance to observe their children the entire day, whereas earlier, they would be too tired to interact with them after getting home from work on weekdays. The lockdown has presented working parents with the opportunity to connect and engage with their children. Many parents who consult me rue the fact that their children don’t experience childhood the way they did. While that is unavoidable in these times, I recommend them to have a conversation with their kids and take a break from the digital world along with them. Simple activities such as being involved in indoor games — carrom or ludo — go a long way in dissipating while encouraging unfiltered interaction,” he said.
Dr Mitra also voiced his thoughts on how the pandemic could be changing our psychological wiring. He said, “We are dealing with adaptability here. We, humans, are resilient beings and time is a testament to the fact that we can adapt at will. We will survive this pandemic, there is no doubt about that. However, we would have changed in certain aspects. For example, various studies have indicated that introverts are dealing with lockdown better than extroverts who have had to spend precious time and energy developing coping mechanisms which are more in line with these times. Introverts are being held in high esteem by employers today, while that was not the case before the pandemic.”
He also feels that there is a good possibility we have developed some new neural circuits since we have to adapt to the needs of these times. “I can’t remember the last time I met my students in a classroom. Ever since the world has been made digital, I have realised that I have subconsciously learnt to recognise my students based on their respective voices. Even when I step out, just about everyone has a mask on and my psyche has been forced to adjust. While earlier one’s face was their most dominant identifier, I now recognise people by their voice,” Dr Mitra said.
Moreover, sitting at home in these dystopian times is underlined by confusion and disorder due to information overload. Simply put, information overload (also known as infobesity, infoxication, information anxiety and information explosion) is the difficulty in understanding an issue and effectively making decisions when one has too much information about that issue. An author and clinical psychologist, Pulkit Sharma, said, “A lot of information is easily accessible in these digital times. Most of it related to the pandemic might be true, but trust me, a lot of fake news is being circulated. Is it all relevant? Of course not. While this digital age has its boons, having access to unlimited information is turning out to be a major disadvantage. This has led to a growing sense of fatigue and pessimism among the masses. There is no need to drown yourself in the news or social media which will only lead you to worry and panic. Reports have determined that of all those who were afflicted with COVID-19, 98 per cent survived. Yes, the reality is that the pandemic has a mortality rate of just two per cent but we are blowing things out of proportion.”
“We have to understand that there are times when we cannot change our reality. However, in those instances, we do have control over our response to that reality. So, in these times I believe our focus should be on ourselves and how we can make this gift of life meaningful,” he added.
A sentiment that was echoed by Dr Mitra, “During online consultations, I see that more and more people are turning inwards and indulging in introspection without any coercion. It is a global occurrence, to be honest, one which has been unheard of in recorded history.”
Both psychologists agreed on the fact that it ultimately comes down to how one perceives things. “For a long time, everyone in the urban jungle felt that there was no time to do things that they wanted to do. Now that time is abundant, one should be thankful for it and make use of the same. For the working class following the WFH model, it is very important to make a schedule and stick by it. Being mindful of the things that you wish to do and incorporating them into your schedules has a very wholesome feel. On the other hand, after making a schedule if you fail to abide by it right at the beginning, the rest of the schedule goes to waste. Hence, the simple act of making or planning a schedule is an exercise in being the right frame of mind in the immediate future. This enables one to be present and constructively make use of time,” expressed Dr Sharma.
Additionally, Dr Sabharwal provided a concise guide on how to keep one’s self grounded in these uncertain times. He said, “Try to focus on things you can control instead of focussing too much on things you can’t control. Check-in with your loved ones as often as you can. Try to regularly engage in some light exercises such as stretching, walking as they might help you feel better and will allow you to stay active. Don’t forget to take a break from social media and news channels now and then as listening and watching about the pandemic might be upsetting and overwhelming.”
Staying at home can be just the opportunity to take stock of your lives, be thankful for your blessings and structure your priorities.
