DO NOT PANIC! Your emotions are normal and not a sign of weakness.

Sadly today, the human race is confronted with a microscopic nemesis which we now know as SARS-CoV2 which has not spared any land from its wrath. Collectively, the human race has attempted to challenge the obscure enemy, by imposing nationwide lockdowns and curfews to contain the devil. Unbeknownst to many of us, the real burden of this invisible enemy is the emotional and mental anguish felt by all of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread panic, insecurity and loss of lives. Given that COVID-19 does not have any known cure at the moment, it is vital to prepare ourselves mentally for isolation trauma, financial insecurity and anticipatory anxiety associated with boredom as well as fear of the unknown future. 

Inevitably, unprecedented times like this can be overwhelming for most individuals leading to emotions such as anger, agitation, hopelessness and helplessness. A study from previous quarantines suggests a negative psychological impact was observed at the end of it (Brooks et al., 2020). Impacts include symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress and other maladaptive traits, which are outcomes of the stressors associated with the quarantine (i.e., financial constraints, stigmatised attitudes, fear, sparse supply to necessities and insufficient information). 

Furthermore, touching on the common man’s issue, there have been plenty of job cuts and global economies crumbling from the pandemic. This has affected people mentally to the point that they found themselves feeling helpless due to the potential fear of a financial crisis. Socio-economic declines from previous recessions have suggested an influence on mental health (Wilkinson & Marmot, 2003). Economic depressions are likely to exhibit a plethora of repercussions on mental health, commonly reported issues to include depression, suicide, and alcoholism (WHO, 2011; Dooley, Catalano & Wilson, 1994; Dorling, 2009; Lewis & Sloggett, 1998; Agerbo, 2005). 

In addition to the economic impacts, the pandemic has affected most individuals socially due to the imposition of protocols such as social distancing to help flatten the curve. Though these measures are extremely vital to contain the spread of the virus, its impact on social lives and wellbeing could lead to something called “social recession” (Klein, 2020). Unfortunately, days like these can lead to loneliness, which in addition to self-isolation can be twice as harmful to an individuals’ overall well-being (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). However, those who found themselves being socially active before the lockdowns might start to be deprived of its benefit on both emotional and psychological well-being (Uchino, 2006). Fortunately, there are ways to succumb to the backlash loneliness has on one’s mental health. 

Indeed, times like these are worrisome and frightening; however, many individuals go through the five stages of grief during this period [i.e., denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance] (Kubler-Ross, 1969). Unfortunately, one might think of this as a linear process, but one could reach a stage of acceptance and can even go back to feeling in denial or anger (Connelly, 2018) and it is normal to shift between these stages. This model gives one the hope that feeling this way is not a sign of weakness but is normal. It is very critical to recognise each phase or stage to cope through times like these. 

Although staying at home is tough, such measures help our healthcare systems buy time to develop the infrastructure to render effective treatments. However, there is the inevitable question of what one could do being at home all day. It is suggested that boredom is known to be a stressor amidst quarantines (Brooks et al., 2020) as it allows the brain to entertain emotions such as fears or one can feel a complete lack of motivation with their productivity being drained. Additionally, feelings of agitation, anxiety, and stress associated with boredom was observed (Hebb, 1957). Boredom burdens one’s well-being and this is backed by modern psychology as it affects one’s ability to judge, plan, assess risks and control emotions (Willis, 2014). In addition to that psychologists have pointed out the development of harmful habits (i.e., substance abuse and binge eating) which can take a toll on one’s physical well-being too (Koerth-Baker, 2016). This is why it is very important to rekindle with some old hobbies or try out something new because this is the only way by which we can own the lockdown. In an era of digitalization, this lockdown is facilitating people to do their jobs and keep connected. Taking into account, this is an era of unlimited resources and infinite possibilities; one should be using that boredom to their advantage and become more productive. Boredom can also be treated as an indicator from your mind suggesting that you are not effectively using your time. Hence, boredom can help stimulate a change for one’s betterment and most of man’s achievement was a result of boredom (Burton, 2014).  

Understandably, things are difficult and different; it is the survival of the fittest both mentally and physically. Simultaneously, it is crucial to support one another, considering the storm of emotions people are experiencing. Therefore, we have to ensure coming out of this lockdown as a better version of our previous selves. It can be best done by focussing on being productive and utilising techniques, such as self-compassion to navigate through this turbulence. Self-compassion is known to induce higher levels of emotional resilience, accurate concepts of self and more compassionate behaviours. This can be done by accepting the reality of this adversity and going easy on yourself. It is important to ensure you take one day at a time, by setting small achievable targets and making sure you appreciate yourself. This can further be extended by rejoicing the small things in life which makes you smile (for instance, a new shoot growing on your plant) and remember that it is the little things that matter. Most importantly, one ought to remember your feelings are not a sign of weakness. However, there is always a way to work around these feelings and ensure to vent your emotions to someone you trust or always feel free to seek help from a mental health professional (PS-There is nothing wrong in doing this). 

About the Authors

Dr Vedang Tyagi

Vedang is a junior medical doctor based in London (UK) currently working on the frontlines of this pandemic. He has a keen interest in healthcare management and medical law which empowered him to start a company which aims at providing technological solutions utilizing Artificial intelligence and precision medicine to help improve healthcare facilities especially in rural India, where he has done extensive research to identify methods to improve healthcare. He is also a part of Tyagi Foundation, a NGO which helps to provide medical help to the needy including setting up medical camps in isolated parts such as the Sunderbans in West Bengal,India.

Damini Lalchand,MBPsS, M.Ps.S.I

Damini is a Ph.D. student based in the Department of Psychology and Sports Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire (UK) and has previous research experience of  mental health stigma associated with schizophrenia in South Asian communities. She has briefly worked with destitute women in South India, who have been abused and suffers from mental health illnesses. Her experiences of working with victims of abuses and passion for advocating mental health in the South Asian diaspora inspired her current work; looking at the association of resilience between childhood adversities and schizotypal traits in healthy adults of Indian backgrounds living in England. 

We would like to thank Miss Alpa Jiva (London, UK) for her artwork, which is part of the blog cover.

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