Top doctors offer ways to deal with depression and anxiety during the pandemic. (Photo: PTI file)
At the Doctors’ Roundtable on Mental Health, top experts tell India Today TV Consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai how people can cope with depression and anxiety in Covid times.
Q: Is fear common in Covid patients? How do you avoid negative feelings and get out of fear?
DR.SAMIR PARIKH, DIRECTOR, FORTIS NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM, GURUGRAM:
Any problem, especially if it is so unprecedented and huge, will frighten you. It’s the most basic human response. Don’t label it. Don’t think it’s a mountain. It will pass once things settle down. More importantly, support systems count. You can reach them. Let them help you. It’s not about a disease. If you are scared because you have Covid or a family member has Covid, you don’t need to take a pill. you don’t need advice; You don’t have to go to an expert. You need to talk to a friend and take care of yourself. Be patient and let doctors do their job.
Q: Should Covid patients stay away from the news?
DR.ANJALI CHHABRIA, PSYCHIATRIST AND PSYCHOTHERAPIST, MUMBAI:
When going through Covid, it is better to stay away from negative news. You might want to keep in touch with the world, but it takes 5-10 minutes to get the news – you don’t have to hear how many deaths have happened where all of the oxygen was not available. Since you are alone, you might think that you will become these characters. Keep yourself relaxed because your immunity depends on your emotional health.
Q: How do I deal with grief? When someone thinks they could have done more to save their mother or father
DR.NIMESH DESAI, PROFESSOR, PSYCHIATRY, DELHI:
The problem is that the grief is too acute. I could have done the usual more? I have done enough and the survivors’ fault is much more due to the reality and the onslaught of negative reports at this time. Treat it as normally as possible. Rely on yourself, rely on friends and family, seek informal support, and seek professional help. We have to walk this double line. Consider depression and anxiety normal for most people and identify those in need of professional help. And that early.
Q: How do you deal with feeling abandoned loved ones when you can’t attend their funerals?
DR. SAMIR PARIKH: Grief is a very personal experience. We cannot tell anyone what to do and what not to do. You should unmute your feelings and thoughts. If you have any problems, please contact us.
Q: Someone says: I live alone. Give me actionable suggestions on how to deal with panic attacks.
DR.AMIT SEN, CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIST, DELHI:
We first need to understand what causes panic attacks and anxiety in the first place. These are natural responses to the kind of disaster we see today. It is important to divide up your day. I often suggest that you take two or three breaks from worry and deal with realities like what’s going on outside, your need to connect with family and see who is sick and who is not. But when that 45 minutes-1 hour is over, close it. Tell yourself that you won’t deal with this until the next break. What gives you happiness and joy? Bring meaning back to your life. Create it. You might want to watch some old videos and read a book. Wonderful memories will come back.
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