Well the past few months have been really tough for all of us specially the students who just waited patiently for government’s directives about reopening of education institutions and schedule and conduction of exams. This few majority of us has faced a lot of mental health issues due to various reasons, the most common being lockdown anxiety.
Well what is anxiety? In simple terms, its bodies natural mechanism to alert us regarding important events like exams, sporting events, dates etc. It is very much needed.Some people refer it as being nervous. But then why is it a problem and how is it associated with lockdown?
Well anxiety only becomes a problem, if it crosses a certain threshold. Anxiety level below that threshold is called eustress which is a good and much needed thing and level which crosses that level is called distress and its a worrying sign.
Distress is characterised by worrying excessively about things which consumes a hell of energy, drains us fully makes us unable to focus and perform day to day life activities. Chronic experiencing of such events leads to generalised anxiety disorder which characterised by excessive worrying, sweating, palpitations, tachycardia,insomnia gastric problems, suicidal thoughts, low self esteem to name a few.
Then how is it related to lockdown? Well for the past few months we all have been sitting in our homes idly without much freedom. On top of that thoughts about uncertainity of exams, career, health, relationships are bound to come. And as they say ‘ an empty mind is a devil’s workshop’ this thoughts the overthinking becomes a permanent resident in our minds.
But dont this thoughts come normally? Well yes they do but during those times we are generally in our workplace surrounded by people talking and having a good time, or doing some assingnments or preparing for exams so we dont give it a second thought regarding those issues( unless you are already a victim of anxiety disorder like me). And adding to it constant toxic stuff regarding various issues on social media just adds fuel to the fire. Since we are bored we engage in stupid debates on topics which otherwise would have gone unnoticed. Constant debate and arguing just depletes our peace.
Affect of this thoughts on us can be tremendous, from draining us completely to affecting our self esteem to regular suicidal thoughts( in extreme cases) they harm us unknowingly. Negative thoughts ranging from why my handwritting is degrading, why the food I cook doesnt tastes good, why is he/she not replying to my texts its already 10 mins, they takeout our mental peace and affects us in ways unimaginable. Regular fight between friends and family members, breakups, suicides have become a common norm. People have given up hope which as a society as harm us all specially students. Our concentration in studies have gone down substantially. We are finding it difficult to maintain good relations with those with whom we used to be most comfortable. Well apparently its nobodies fault.
Well then whats the solution? Keeping yourself busy with hobbies. I know its tough in this situation but thats all I can say. During initial days we had trends like dalgona coffee, lockdown diaries and various other social media hashtags. But with time we have almost all our e energy to socialise. Talking to close one helps but practically not a feasible thing to do always, everyone has their set of problems and we cant force people to talk to us. Frankly speaking going out once in a while( with proper protection obviously) helps, socialising with different friends on different days not only helps but also doesnt make you overdependent on any one. And in extreme cases go for counselling and medications( I am of the opinion to avoid medication option until absolutely necessary cause of various side effects on drugs).
My personal experience:
Well since I already suffered from mental issues for past few years, I was well adopt to this condition until recently. I was good at socialising and other stuffs cause I have been living like this for a while. But in past few days even I ran out of patience. I get anxious on even in the small things like why is my crush replying late to my texts, why my ex left me,to will I even pass, everyone has completed the syllabus but I couldnt I am a big faliure. Small stuffs like this have been hurting me a lot. I even lost the power to socialise and dearly praying for college to reopen quickly and things get back to normal.
How am I combatting it: well frankly its tough. I generally watch and rewatch a lot of movies and web series. Share my problems with my crush ones a while when things seem to out of control( she does a great job considering the fact she too is facing a lot). Call my few close friends regularly and chat about all nonsence topic and have a good laugh about it( again not everyday cause I dont want to burden anyone).
Well the above tips might help to anyone going through a lot going through this tough times, and things can only get better once normal life resumes( frankly speaking). Till then just hold tight.
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