Mental health in Covid times: Top doctors offer ways to deal with depression, anxiety

Q: Is anxiety common among Covid patients? How do you avoid negative feelings and come out of anxiety?

DR. SAMIR PARIKH, DIRECTOR, FORTIS NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM, GURUGRAM:

Any problem, especially when so unprecedented and mammoth, will give you anxiety. It’s the most basic human reaction. Don’t label it. Don’t think it’s a mountain. It will pass once things settle. More importantly, support systems count. You reach out to them. Let them support you. It’s not about a disease. If you have anxiety because you have Covid or a family member has Covid, you don’t need to pop a pill; you don’t need counselling; you don’t need 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 you’re going through Covid, it’s better to stay away from negative news. You may want to be in touch with the world, but it takes 5-10 minutes to catch up with the news—no need to hear how many deaths have happened, where all oxygen wasn’t available. Since you’re alone, you might think that you will become those figures. Keep yourself relaxed because your immunity depends on your emotional health.

Q: How do I deal with grief? When someone thinks he could have done more to save his mother or father

DR. NIMESH DESAI, PROFESSOR, PSYCHIATRY, DELHI:

The trouble is that the grief is too acute. The usual ‘could I have done more? Did I do enough’ and survivor’s guilt these feelings are much more in this period due to the reality and the onslaught of negative reports. Deal with it as normally as you can. Depend on yourself, depend on friends and family, try to seek informal support, and seek professional help. We must walk that dual line. Consider depression and anxiety normal for most people and identify those who need professional help. And do so early.

Q: How do you cope with the feeling of having let down your loved ones by not being able to attend their funerals?

DR. SAMIR PARIKH: Grief is a much personalised experience. We can’t tell anyone what to do and what not to do. You should unmute your feelings and thoughts keep sharing. If you struggle, reach out for help.

Q: Someone says: I live alone. Give me actionable suggestions on how to deal with panic attacks.

DR. AMIT SEN, CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIST, DELHI:

We need to first understand what is leading to panic attacks and anxiety in the first place. These are natural responses to the kind of catastrophe we see these days. It’s important to compartmentalise your day. I often suggest that you take two to three worry breaks and confront realities like what’s happening outside, your need to connect with family and see who is ill and who is not. But when that 45 minute-1hour period is over, shut it. Tell yourself you’re not going to confront it till the next break. What gives you happiness and joy? Bring back some meaning in your life. Create it. You might want to watch some old videos, read a book. Wonderful memories will come rushing back.