The lockdown period has been a much needed defence against COVID-19 at the same time, the fear about the infection and the uncertainty caused by the lockdown has put lot of stress in the minds of people, especially among those who have pre-existing mental disorder.
A person with OCD was found to have increased level of stress post the COVID-19 outbreak. That person had urges to constantly wash hands, had fear of touching utensils at home, was afraid of catching the infection and spreading it to family.
He was received free counselling from Karthikayani Murugan, Clinical Psychologist, KMCH for treatment. Using a technique called Cognitive Restructuring, she modified his mind and his negative thoughts have been wiped away.
“People with pre-existing psychiatric conditions find it very difficult to attend the scheduled psychiatric treatment sessions due to the lockdown.This is also a reason for their elevated stress levels”, Karthikayani said. Children with Autism will have to undergo mental trauma, as they cannot adapt to changes in their routine. Meeting their psychiatrist is a big challenge.
She referred to a survey conducted by the Indian Psychiatric Society which states that the sudden rise in those suffering from mental illness has shot up by 20%, and 1 in every 5 Indian Citizen may suffer from mental illness such as anxiety and depression.
Karthikayani said “sudden break in business and other financial constraints have stressed men. Women will have to multi-task even more than ever, as the entire family is in the house 24/7. The home-makers will have less time for relaxing. Children at home who had prepared to give their best in the examinations, especially the 10th and 12th public exams will find it sad to see their preparation remain idle. NEET Aspirants would find the uncertainty of the lockdown disappointing. College students who had prepared for going abroad for higher studies too share the burden and mental stress. Senior Citizens who would like to walk out at morning and evening will have to sit at home and that might cause their mind distress”
She added that people of all walks of life are affected by the stress due to Covid-19. Keeping calm, taking deep-breaths, interacting with family, playing indoor games and bonding with them could reduce stress-levels in these period for the common folk. For people with mental disorder, psychiatric treatment techniques are available to ease their burden.
Free COVID-19 Counselling is being given by the Tamil Nadu Clinical Psychology Association. Karthikayani is appointed for giving counselling in Tirupur, Erode and Coimbatore region. She holds an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology from Ramachandra University and did a one-year course on Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Family, Marital, Child, Adolescent and Addiction disorders from NIMHANS.
For free COVID-19 Counselling call 9790037562.