India’s pandemic nightmare refuses to end as the numbers do the talking. As the deadly second wave gripped the country in April just after everything seemed a bit normal after a long wait since the pandemic started in 2020. It was just like the calm before the storm. In less than a month, nearly 7 million people were affected in India and about 45000 people died.
Many who have been affected by COVID suffer long-term trauma.
As the virus is following a trend of upsurge, people who faced the virus are already in trauma and those who were apparently safe till now are in the clutch of deadly fear. Is this the worst scenario? It could be. WHO said the worst was yet to come last year. But the most important question is when it is going to end?
The pandemic has caused stress, anxiety, and depression, stemming from fear, isolation, and stigma around. The pandemic has affected all of us in one way or another. Kids are unable to go to schools, see their friends, many people are losing their jobs, and the affected are isolated from their usual support network. Of course, the past time has been hard on health care workers and other front-line workers too, having to work long hours despite the personal risk of exposure to the virus and witnessing firsthand the loss of people’s lives. This Tsunami has somehow enfeebled us, making our minds emotionally timid.
The current challenges brought about by the COVID surge for people all around the globe are beyond one’s wildest dreams and have caused fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. The effects of the pandemic on our mental health may be far longer lasting than the disease itself. Seeing your loved ones suffer and eventually losing them is an absolute terror. Being able to sleep while picturing all the deadly things that could happen to you, your family, and your loved ones are next to impossible.
Those who have gone through so much already have lost their family and friends are depressed on another level that the flashbacks are getting worse and worse. The survivors are not in great condition either. A US-based case study shows 17% of the survivors developed post-COVID anxiety, 14% experienced mood disorders, and many more. 1 in 3 suffer neurological or mental disorders within six months post-COVID recovery.
But most importantly, we are all going through this together and it’s crucial to understand that we are not alone in how we are feeling right now. During this time of intense stress, there are a lot of things beyond our control right now and that is scary. By focusing on the things we can control, we can refuel ourselves. Just by trying to see the big plus during this situation, we can overcome this.
If each day still feels like an uphill battle, remember, staying indoors and spending time with your family is never a bad idea.