“It is normal to feel confused”

How serious can mental health issue become?

Female,17, Class 12

Firstly, mental health concerns are common and almost everyone would have had an experience with poor mental health at a certain point in their lives. This does not mean you have a mental illness. An experience with poor mental health could be caused by stressful events (e.g.: academic failure, relationship problems, bullying or violence, sudden life changes, traumatic events etc.). Mental health problems start with gradual changes in thoughts, feelings/emotions and behavior. We all respond to our experiences differently – there's no single "right way" to react. Similarly, while some people recover quickly with the right support, some are more vulnerable and tend to have more serious problems. It is important that you are able to recognize if your day-to-day life is getting worse. Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function. So yes, mental health problems can become a serious concern.

And now with the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is grappling with mental health concerns as the enormous scale of the crisis has caused a lot of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and social isolation. It has become important to seek support and counseling services for your mental wellbeing.

Will the brain be affected if we cry for a longer time? Is depression curable? If a person is suffering from depression, how long will it last?

Female,15, Class 9

Crying is considered to be a natural and healthy emotion. It can have a therapeutic effect as it gets rid of stress hormones in our bodies.  However, if you are crying too much, it could be a sign of deeper problems. There are very little research on effects of crying on the brain. However crying for periods can cause painful physical symptoms like headaches. Crying spells or crying for no reason can be because you are overwhelmed or experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. During such times it is important you seek support from a counselor or talk to a loved one.

Depression will not go away with time so it is essential you seek treatment if you have depression. Depression can be treated and symptoms can be managed. It is a highly treatable illness if you get treatment. Researches have shown that people feel better after getting treatment and treatment usually includes medication, therapy or a combination of the two.

Treatment for depression would depend on the severity of the depression. The more severe the depression, the more intensive the treatment you would need. Treatment plan and interventions for individuals with depression would differ from one person to another. The sooner you get treatment the quicker you are able to manage your symptoms. Like many other physical illness, you cannot cure depression but it is treatable. (For e.g.: arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, multiple sclerosis).  Depression consists of depressive episodes, it is a period in which an individual has symptoms of depression that can last for at least two weeks. Some people have only one episode while others have recurrent episodes throughout their lifetime, which is why it is important to get treatment. If left untreated like any other illness the symptoms can get worse and lead to significant impairment interfering with your life.

How do we prevent mental health issues among people during this pandemic?

Female, 20, Class 11

It is important to accept that the pandemic is a stressful time for everyone and that the effects of the pandemic on mental health are much greater than physical health impacts due to physical distancing, social isolation, and economic consequences and living in uncertainty and adjusting with the “new normal”. Because of the nature of the pandemic it has become essential to protect our mental health:

1. Limit news as they cause fear and anxiety. Filter the amount of news or filter the sources from where can you receive news.
2. Stay connected with your loved ones. It will ease feelings of isolation and help your cope during difficult times.
3. Create or maintain a routine: This will help you feel in control during an uncertain time besides making you productive.
4. Get moving or going: Physical activities or exercise can make you feel good as it is a stress reliever or mood booster. You can try going for a brisk walk to doing yoga, pilates, dancing or cardio exercises. Do whatever works for you. 
5. Practice mindfulness: This will help you focus on the present rather than ruminating about an uncertain future. You can practice mindfulness through yoga, meditation and prayer practice.
6. Be kind to yourself: Build your resiliency by reaching out when you need help with stress, anxiety and depression.

There are many ways to prevent poor mental health during the pandemic and these are few suggestions.

What is the best way to handle mental health issues?

Male, 24, College student

There are many ways to look after your mental health or to take care of your mental wellbeing. We are all different so what works for one individual will not work for the other. These are some things that can help with your mental wellbeing.

1. Talk about your feelings: Being listened to can make you feel supported and less alone. Talking to a counselor normalizes what you are going through and navigates through your difficult feelings with compassion.
2. Get moving or going: Physical activities or exercise can make you feel good as it is a stress reliever or mood booster. You can try going for a brisk walk to doing yoga, pilates, dancing or cardio exercises. Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and self-confidence and it can help you sleep, concentrate and feel better.
3. Social connection: Keep in touch with loved ones as these relationships make your feel loved and valued. Supportive relationships can help you deal with the stresses of life, keep you grounded and help solve life problems together.
4. Do things you enjoy: Doing an activity you enjoy helps beat stress and boosts your self-esteem. It can be gardening, sketching, baking, playing a music instrument or playing a sport. Concentrating on an interest or hobby takes your mind off stress and changes your mood. It can also be a great way to meet new people and have new experiences.
5. Take a break or switch off: Sometimes a change of place/scene or pace can be good for your mental health. It could be a weekend exploring a new place, a 5 minute break while doing your household chores to a half hour break during lunch hour listening to relaxing music. Give yourself some “me-time” to de-stress.

I want to know how I am really feeling during lockdown and a situation like this?

Female, 20, Class 10

The pandemic and more specifically situations like the lockdown has everyone feeling overwhelmed so, it is normal to feel confused about your feeling in a situation like this. It is normal to not feel like yourself because of the pandemic so don’t be surprised if you’re feel different or a little off.  However, if these feelings last for a long time, do seek help, reach out to a counselor and talk about your situation and how you feel.

To be able check your feelings during the pandemic and lockdown, ask yourself these questions:

• I have excessive fear and anxiety
• I am easily irritable and angry
• I am feeling sad and down
• I don’t feel like myself lately
• I struggle to do my daily activities
• I am avoiding contact
• I am self -isolating or withdrawing from others
• I have no routine around meal and sleep time
• I am always tearful
• I am drinking too much or using substances like alcohol or drugs.
• I feel worthless or unloved