ISOLATION AND MENTAL HEALTH

Isolation and mental Health

I think I have got a good time. Although it is scary out there, I still manage to spend some good hours at home watching films, reading books and most interestingly reading online articles. After reading those online pieces of work I feel myself updated.🤓 Therefore I thought of writing a few words on an area which we need to pay some attention. 

I guess now we are more than familiar with lockdown and self-isolation. But this scenario is not the same with everybody. One would be enjoying the time while the other would be suffering. This phenomenon is widely discussed when it comes to the battle of lethal virus verses lethal hunger. But I am going to focus you on psychological impact of quarantine. As an example generally it is prescribed for the elderly to maintain social interaction for their emotional well-being. In contrast now they have been told the opposite. That’s to distance themselves even from the grandchildren. Elderly who found comfort by their daily works and chatting with friends are at risk of anxiety. 😕

The pandemic may have become very hard on some because what they hear constantly are health warnings and alerts. Such paranoia can be prevented by communicating the right information about the pandemic. Media 🎥 in the other hand should encourage people to be rational in their response rather than panic. 

In the core, there is a difference between physical distancing and social distancing. Fostering a sense of social togetherness via phone or any social media help people to get connected with each other is of course a well applied solution. 

At the same time, staying close to family doesn’t mean the same for everyone. For people with dysfunctional family dynamics, such as an abusive partner or domineering parents, staying at home is a trigger for anxiety.  World health organization recommends focusing on positive news, like news on people recovering from the virus to get hope for everyone in maintaining a better mental health. 

Helping others and providing support for the needed can make a difference on who is having problems and going through a tough time. Even research shows how helping others to manage their emotions can enhance our emotional well-being, reduce stress and even benefit our physical health. So let’s help others who are in need and let’s make a huge wish to pass this challenging time as soon as possible. 💪🏻

Bhagya Sri Kolitha Jayantha 

Faculty of Agriculture