'Minding our minds': Govt guide on dealing with mental health issues during coronavirus lockdown

As Indians across the country observe a 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, the government has taken steps for people dealing with mental health issues. While a toll-free helpline - 08046110007 - was launched on Sunday for people who are facing mental health issues during the lockdown, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released a guide for the same. 

Titled 'Minding our minds during the COVID-19 pandemic' the three-page document proposes various ways to deal with such issues during coronavirus pandemic. 

The government has advised people not to follow sensational news or social media posts which impact their mental state, follow facts and not rumours during the lockdown period. 

Here is the complete text of the mental health guide:

These can be difficult times for all of us as we hear about the spread of COVID-19 from all over the world, through television, social media, newspapers, family and friends and other sources. The most common emotion faced by all is Fear. It makes us anxious, panicky and can even possibly make us think, say or do things that we might not consider appropriate under normal circumstances.

Understanding the importance of Lockdown 

Lockdown is meant to prevent the spread of infection from one person to another, to protect ourselves and others. This means, not stepping out of the house except for buying necessities, reducing the number of trips outside, and ideally only a single, healthy family member making the trips when absolutely necessary. If there is anyone in the house who is very sick and may need to get medical help, you must be aware of the health facility nearest to you.

Handling Social isolation

Staying at home can be quite nice for some time, but can also be boring and restricting.

Here are some ways to keep positive and cheerful.

1. Be busy. Have a regular schedule. Help in doing some of the work at home.

2. Distract yourself from negative emotions by listening to music, reading, watching an entertaining programme on television. If you had old hobbies like painting, gardening or stitching, go back to them. Rediscover your hobbies.

3. Eat well and drink plenty of fluids.

4. Be physically active. Do simple indoor exercises that will keep you fit and feeling fit.

5. Sharing is caring. Understand if someone around you needs advice, food or other essentials. Be willing to share.

6. Elderly people may feel confused, lost and need help. Offer them help by getting them what they need, their medicines, daily needs etc.

7. If you have children at home, keep them busy by allowing them to help in the household chores - make them feel responsible and acquire new skills.

Focus on facts, reject rumours and theories 

1. Knowledge is power; the more you know about a certain issue, the less fearful you may feel. Make sure to access and believe only the most reliable sources of information for self-protection.

2. Do not follow sensational news or social media posts which may impact your mental state. Do not spread or share any unverified news or information further.

3. Do not keep discussing all the time about who got sick and how. Instead learn about who got well and recovered.

4. Stick to the known advice- hand hygiene and keeping a physical distance from others. It is being careful about yourself, and also about care of others.

5. A common cold is not Corona infection. The symptoms of Corona have been well described. Follow etiquette of sneezing, coughing, avoiding spitting in public places etc.

6. In most people, the Corona infection causes mild symptoms and the person only needs to follow social distancing till he/she stops being infective, usually 2 weeks. Mild infection does not require a person to be admitted in hospital. Only people who have breathing difficulties need to be in hospital. Most people recover.

Handling emotional problems 

1. At times of anxiety, practice breathing slowly for a few minutes. Try and distance the thoughts that are making you anxious. Think of something calm and serene, and slow down your mind.

2. When feeling angry and irritated, calming your mind, counting back from 10 to 1, distracting yourself helps.

3. Even when feeling afraid, deal with it by asking yourself:

a. What is under my control?

b. Am I unnecessarily worrying about the worst thing that can happen?

c. When I have been stressed in the past, how have I managed?

d. What are the things I can do to help myself and be positive?

4. Feeling lonely or sad is also quite common. Stay connected with others. Communication can help you to connect with family and friends. Call up people whom you haven’t spoken to and surprise them. Discuss happy events, common interests, exchange cooking tips, share music.

5. If any of these emotions persist continuously for several days, despite your trying to get out of it, talk about it with someone. If the feelings worsen, a person may feel helpless, hopeless and feel that life is not worth living. If that happens, call at helpline number (080-46110007) for advice from a mental health professional or contact your doctor / mental health professional.

What is NOT advisable

1. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Use of tobacco or alcohol or other drugs to cope with emotions or boredom can worsen physical, mental health and reduce immunity. People who already have a substance use problem may require professional help, especially when they feel low in mood or stressed.

2. Do not shun or judge people with a CoVid infection. While you need to maintain a physical distance and keep yourself safe to prevent such infection, remember they need care and concern. If you know someone who might have the infection, tell them about precautions, and how to get medical assistance, if required.

3. If you happen to get infected with Corona, remember most people get better. Do not panic. Practice self-isolation and take medications that are advised.

Emotional issues after recovery

1. While it is wonderful to recover from Covid infection, you may actually face stress after you have recovered and wish to get back into the community. You may have fear about your loved ones falling ill.

2. People who do not understand the illness well may actually keep you at a distance, which is also very stressful and isolating.

3. You may experience feelings of guilt that you were not able to work or care for others. This may lead to feelings of depression, helplessness or frustration.

4. Use the ways mentioned earlier to deal with these feelings. Share your positive story that it is possible to recover from COVID infection.

Recognise mental health problems in your near and dear ones Just as you can recognise your own mental health problems, be sensitive to such problems in your near and dear ones, which may include:

1. Changes in sleep patterns

2. Difficulty in sleeping and concentrating

3. Worsening of health problems

4. Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs

Be supportive to them. If the problems persist, please contact the helpline (080-46110007) or contact your doctor or a mental health professional.

Persons with mental illness

Persons who had previous mental illness may face newer challenges during selfisolation or Covid infection:

1. They would also have the same fears and stress as others which may worsen their previous mental health condition

2. Social isolation may make them more withdrawn, moody and irritable

3. They may not seek/ get easy access to medicines and counselling

Help and support is vital for persons with mental illness from their families and other care givers. Health helplines can provide support, in addition to regular taking of prescribed medication, a regular daily routine, keeping engaged and positive.

Remember, good mental status in the difficult times may win you the battle more easily!