Is Covid 19 Affecting Your Mental Health? What You Can Do

There are millions of people today who are reeling under the repercussions of the pandemic but have to silently suffer through it.  Women in general, and particularly those working from home who have been cut off from support systems of maids, nannies, and caregivers are physically and mentally drained. Everyone is going through a gamut of emotions ranging from anger to despair. It is during times like these, that mental wellness support offered by organizations can especially prove to be a lifeline. Even for the most balanced of us!

The Looming Mental Health Crisis

The Center of Healing (TCOH), conducted a survey in December 2020 that said 74% Indians were suffering from stress and 88% from anxiety caused due to the pandemic and it’s repercussions. The same survey showed that 68.6% of therapists saw an increase in both the number of people seeking therapy and the number of hours. Queries by first-time therapy seekers, according to therapists surveyed have risen by 55% since the Covid-19 outbreak.* Psychologists have for a while now been emphasizing the massive hidden impact of such overwhelming gloom brought on by a pandemic. It could manifest as anger, anxiety, sleep, and diet changes, loneliness, stress, disorders, phobias, behavioural changes and low productivity, amongst several others. In homes where there are alcoholics / drug-addicts or those recovering from it; a pandemic or a lockdown situation can turn particularly oppressive and violent as well. Similarly, for those experiencing domestic violence and marital issues. Dealing with the loss of a loved one during such tenuous times, the suffering can be all the more intolerable and we’ve been hearing of all too many cases of the same. Thankfully, several corporates have identified this unfolding crisis and have devised ways to help employees handle psychological distress.

Mental Wellness Support For Employees

Organizations are approaching mental wellness during the current pandemic with a multi-pronged approach.

Understanding Mental health

Organizations are making it clear that experiencing stress and its manifesting repercussions are normal during a pandemic. They are doing a great job guiding their employees in understanding triggers, identifying signs, and providing simple preventive and remedial measures to mental wellness. 

Staying Positive

The extended nature of the pandemic has the power to darken our visions. Organizations are emphasizing on an ‘internal locus of control’ – reorienting us to acknowledge that our actions influence results and provide a sense of control over the environment. Employees are being advised to pivot with a ‘growth mindset’ ‘(the love of challenge, the belief in effort, resilience in the face of setbacks, learning from criticisms and finding inspiration in the success of others).’

Employee Assistance Program

Talking with someone trusted can help us activate the different channels of healing ourselves. Given their unenvious task of having to terminate employee contracts, even those in HR opt for Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), lending further credence to EAP. Notwithstanding the contagion effect, COVID-19 has made us question our mortality, work, life, travel, relationships, finances, and everything that we earlier took for granted. And has resulted in a huge toll on our mental health. A reason for cheer, amidst all the worldwide distress and chaos is being able to witness several organizations dealing with the mental crisis proactively. After all, mental wellness is the essential first turn of the wheel in dealing with ourselves internally as we get ready to deal with the virus outside.

How KelpHR can help you!

We at KelpHR understand the urgent and immediate need for mental, physical and emotional well-being especially in the current scenario. If you, your organisation, colleagues or even their families need help and assistance, do reach out and CONTACT US and KelpHR will be happy to help you get in touch with the right resources. We could also introduce you to some of our Employee Assistance Program offerings that are specially tailored to help you and your employees through this. Email us at info@kelphr.com or call us at 91-9500129652 for further details. * Data excerpted from a study by Delhi-based The Center of Healing (TCOH), a preventive healthcare platform.