The Health Ministry’s National Mental Health Response Team recorded more cases of anxiety, depression, and reaction to COVID-19 positive status this lockdown. From around 140 calls received so far, more than 70 were related to anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric issues.
During the last lockdown, of the 380 calls, the majority were related to logistics and tobacco and alcohol use issues. But this time, it is otherwise.
According to the Mental Health Counselor, Sangay C Namgyel, although less in number, more calls were of genuine cases of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and aggravation of mental health symptoms.
The issues, she said, were also regarding adjustments in the isolation and facility quarantine during the time of their treatment. ”We strategise our counseling to normalize the clients and let them express their issues freely. The strategies are different for different individuals because the same stagey will not have the same effect on everyone,” she added.
If the clients require specialised attention or treatment, the National Mental Health Response Team refer them to the concerned specialist agencies such as psychiatric department, hospitals, National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women (RENEW), and police.
As much as the elders, the team said it is equally important to take care of children’s mental health as they are likely to experience mental stress and breakdown during such times.
A Mental Health Counselor, Tshering Wangmo, said friends and family members can play a big role in ensuring that. ”Children tend to rely more on friends and family members, so, it is very important that they model positive behavior in children,” she said.
Tshering added that family and friends can keep children organised, help them make a schedule, give them time to play, rest, act, and learn. Likewise, she also recommends keeping children safe from online platforms.
”If the stress levels hinder appetite, sleep, and overall daily functioning, it means the person should seek professional help,” according to the National Mental Health Response Team.
The health experts also recommend people to minimise watching, reading, or listening to news about COVID-19. This, according to them, will trigger anxiety.
Sonam Pem
