This pandemic has affected my mental health as well as my physical health.
The first Covid-19 case in India was reported in January and we started feeling its consequences by March 2020. This was when PM Narendra Modi announced a lockdown for 21 days. It has been more than 210 days since and we’re still afraid of going out.
It’s not easy to stay in one’s home for six continuous months. This is something that has affected me, you and us. Here’s how it has affected me:
1. Being a student, I had a lot of stress in terms of studies, exams and as well as my career (jobs, internship). Because of Covid-19, I have lost one academic year. This is a major reason behind the deterioration of my mental health. Exams were supposed to end in March and after that, I had an internships and a job planned. But the exams ended in October instead. For six months, no one had a clue as to how things will proceed vis-a-vis exams and teaching. I am searching for a job but prospects are bleak.
2. Sitting at home is all very good for a rich family, but if you are from a middle-class family, then the prospect of sitting at home and not being able to do anything for a living can be terrifying.
3. Financial problems are taking a toll on the mental well-being of my family.
4. Watching the news is not a pleasant experience. Migrant workers have been forced to walk hundreds of kilometers to reach their homes and this is distressing.
5. If anyone gets unwell in these times, it adds stress for the whole family because it could be because of the coronavirus.
6. Physical health problems can crop from a bad daily schedule, brought on by anxiety about future prospects and a lack of occupation.
7. Though I’m thankful that my family does not have such issues, but some women are not safe in their own homes. They are raped and harassed in their houses.