The Covid-19 pandemic started in the second decade of this century. It has shown its effect in every aspect of the human race, including self-isolation. Even stray animals have been affected to a great extent by the pandemic. Leftovers from restaurants, hotels and other sources, which contributed to a major part of their diet, are not available to them anymore. People are forcefully staying at home so as to reduce the impact of the virus. Social distancing is important to cut the chain of the pandemic.
The third wave has increased anxiety, stress, phobia and depression among people, severely affecting the mental health of an individual. The psychological state of an individual differs from person to person. Quarantine and self‐isolation are more likely to give rise to stigmatisation.
Health workers working at at the frontline and helping Covid-19 patients are susceptible to getting infected, because of which they are more likely to get isolated from their families. Since the number of patients have increased drastically in the second wave, obviously there has been an increase in the working hours of doctors and other healthcare professionals who are at very high risk.
Mental Health Of Children During The Pandemic
Besides focusing on the physical health of the nation, the Indian government should also emphasise on mental health during the pandemic. Children’s mental health is also a great concern in the present situation. Schools are closed and they cannot meet their friends not play outside with other children. Even when it comes to online classes, there is a lack of concentration and attention among the kids as the teaching method has changed all of a sudden.
Children getting addicted to a video games and social media is a common complaint we get to hear from many parents. The annoying behaviour of small kids at home must be dealt with calmly by engaging them in healthy activities such as yoga, meditation, group discussions etc., all of which reduces stress.
Mental Health Of The Elderly During The Pandemic
The elderly people are more susceptible to the coronavirus due to their low immune system. Elder people in hospitals undergoing treatment for Covid are facing various mental health issues. Phone calls from their dear ones will relax them during pandemic. Spending time with family members, including children and the elderly, during this period can act as a priceless experience to relieve stress and anxiety. Everyone in the family can get involved in some sort games that may help them overcome mental stress. Public awareness in mental health may bring more focus to those going through tough times.
Some organisations have also taken the responsibility to feed stray animals. Residents of an area should be made aware of the need and importance of feeding the strays. If they undertake a simple strategy of feeding twice a day, they will be contributing so much to society, as organisations can’t reach every nook and corner of a neighbourhood.
The third wave will become dangerous for all. The mutated virus is attacking more and more people leading to many deaths. The mutated virus is directly attacking the oxygen level of the infected, and so external oxygen has to be provided. But there is a shortage of oxygen cylinders because of the increasing number of patients.
In such desperate times, many people are being taken advantage of through cybercrime. Fake callers gather information about Covid-hit families and ask them for a large sum of money in return for oxygen cylinders, and then disappear. Many such people have been caught by the police.
The number of Covid patients have increased drastically over the past month and no hospitals beds are available for them, giving rise to more deaths; even cremation of the dead is becoming difficult now. Governments as well as private organisations can sort out this situation by using hotels, schools and banquet halls to make Covid centres. Most of the patients only need home quarantine along with prescribed treatment to recover from Covid.
The whole world is in a standstill from the time the pandemic hit the world last year. Governments of many countries resorted to a lockdown to cut the chain of the virus. The international trading system has already been subjected to increased new restrictions. This has created a slowdown of trade. This, in turn, has resulted in the slowing down of the manufacturing of essential goods, which is then responsible for international and national losses.
The flow of currency within our economy has fallen badly. Governments must deal with this slowdown so that they can reduce the impact. Taking all precautions advised by the government is the best way to prevent the virus from attacking and mutating further. Vaccines are also being given to the masses. We can fight this pandemic and make this world safe from this deadly virus.