MENTAL HEALTH IN A PANDEMIC

IPSITA PANDA

SEM IV

With the second wave of the Corona Virus Pandemic, it is unsurprisingly crucial that we take care of our health and safety. This does not just pertain to our physical health, but mental health as well. Taking the right preventive measures, being a responsible citizen and constant adaptation to unprecedented challenges are a few of the plethora of things we have learnt during the pandemic, but it has also taught us that we can only function at our best potential when we have the right state of mind.

We have all heard the phrase, “Prevention is better than cure”, but only apply it to apparent problems in our life. What we ignore among all this chaos is our mental health. Mental health is as important as our physical health, may it be in the case of a pandemic, or a perfectly normal life. Whether it is dealing with depression, anxiety or general stress for that matter, all such feelings have overwhelmed especially during the pandemic. While most of them may not last because they are situation-induced, that doesn’t mean we let it sit inside our head. Hence, small practices such as modifying exercise programs, making healthy dietary changes and improving sleep patterns can not only help us develop our immunity, but also keep our mental balance in check.

At a time as uncertain as the one we’re living, there is nothing that shocks us anymore. However, it has given us an opportunity to reflect upon our lives. With new challenges ahead, we have to figure out ways to look at the bright side at all times.