New Delhi: The coronavirus pandemic brought with itself another looming health crisis – that of mental health. The uncertainty of what is to come and the realisation of what has become has been tough on people and their minds. Augmenting it is the stress caused due to effects of the pandemic on the economy, the work from home, and the inability to share your time and thoughts with your friends and family.

As we pay attention to all the measures we need to follow to slow down the spread of COVID-19 and to keep ourselves safe, it is also important to pay attention to these non-communicable diseases, and understand where we stand when it comes to mental health in the country. Times Now Digital, in an exclusive interview with Mr Sandeep Gandhi, Founder, Serefe, MBA (HR), and Masters in Industrial Psychology to understand more about the mental health crisis that we are staring into. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

Anushree Gupta: While everyone is aware of the degrading mental health conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to you, how bad is the situation already and how worse is it likely to get?

Mr Sandeep Gandhi: Mental health conditions and its treatment was in terrible state even before COVID. The NIMHANS survey in 2015-16 clearly identified the gap in the number of people suffering, the number of doctors available and the number of people seeking treatment due to the stigma attached to the issue of mental health. 

Due to COVID, lockdown, social distancing, economic hardships, staying together in confined spaces together, a huge incidence of mental health problems have come to light. And to this, if we add the uncertainty of treatment or vaccine or not knowing who is symptomatic, a big disaster is already on its way. According to rough estimates and number could be even higher, number of people suffering from some form of mental health issues have almost doubled to 36 million people in India alone. A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that 7.5 per cent of the Indian population suffers from some form of mental disorder. Mental illnesses constitute one-sixth of all health-related disorders and India accounted for nearly 15% of the global mental, neurological and substance abuse disorder burden. The treatment gap, which is defined as the prevalence of mental illnesses and the proportion of patients that get treatment, is over 70 per cent. WHO also predicts that by the end of 2020, roughly 20 per cent of India will suffer from mental illnesses. And to cater to this demographic, we have less than 4,000 mental health professionals.

Anushree Gupta: For people who have very little idea about mental health issues and specific symptoms of various conditions, what are some signs that can tip them off about a potential mental health disorder?

Mr Sandeep Gandhi: We do observe behaviour in ourselves & others, which are a clear indication of some mental health-related issues, but the main point is that neither do we acknowledge it, identify the reasons, nor seek treatment for the condition.

Some of the indications are mood swings, excessive TV watching, difficulty in waking up, difficulty in sleeping, low interaction with people, frequent outbursts of anger or sadness. Other indications can also include dependence on alcohol, smoking, or substance abuse etc. High frequency of negative comments, lack of initiative, a certain amount of indifference to what is happening around them.

Unfortunately, most people who suffer from poor mental health do not recognise or come to terms that they are suffering from such an issue and remain in constant denial.  If at all they do,  they think that visiting a clinical psychologist is the only treatment and that still remains a big taboo in society.  People could benefit greatly by opening up to professionally trained  Counsellors over the phone. Counsellors help a great deal in overcoming these issues before it actually becomes a clinical issue. 

Anushree Gupta: Given how the situation around the world is, normal life, as we knew it, is very less likely to be restored. What are some ways we can train our mind and help it accept the new normal?

Sandeep Gandhi: Here are some ways we can try.

• Adopting a positive outlook. Review your interactions in a typical day. The ratio of positive to negative comments/views/thoughts should be 3:1.
• Adopting practices which improve your resilience and optimism.

Anushree Gupta: What are some precautions that healthy people should take to avoid a mental health condition, especially during the pandemic?

Sandeep Gandhi: 

• Ensuring a positive outlook by noticing and expressing positive things in life
• An expression of gratitude towards what you already have
• Meditation, yoga, reiki therapy, modest physical exercise
• Praying to a loving God
• Feeling hopeful about the future
• Being in a loving, stable relationship
• Helping people less fortunate
• Dog, cat, horse or monkey – an animal companion that you can keep as a pet
• Playfulness or taking yourself less seriously
• A walk in nature is always helpful to help you reduce your stress and accept the new normal.

Anushree Gupta: Many people, around the world, are stuck alone, away from home and their loved ones. What are some ways they can cope with the looming mental health crisis and the negativity around them?

• Maintain a regular & daily routine. Ensure you schedule time for your breaks, rests as much as a work period.
• Reduce exposure to Media and TV News.
• Counter your feelings of uncertainty regarding infection, with fact-based information.   
• Practice personal hygiene even when alone.
• Keep in touch with your family and friends on a daily basis, as part of your daily routine.

Views expressed by the author are personal and do not represent those of Times Network.