The coronavirus has introduced a mentally draining situation for all of us. But that means we can't just stand on the sidelines and lick our own wounds. Look at the other people around you, and offer what you can to help. If there's one good thing to come out of this, it will be our ability to care for each other.
Brunch spoke to clinical psychologist Diluxshy Sanjeevan to find out some way in which we can help out our friends and family during these times.
Spread good news
There’s a lot of bad news circulating on social media these days about “death tolls” and the economic downturn. There are a lot of heated discussions about politics as well. “What we’ve been hearing over the last few months will definitely have a negative impact on the mind. So commit to sharing a little kindness and good news. This will stimulate their brain in a positive manner,” noted Sanjeevan. Compliment your friends, send a kind note to someone you appreciate, or share some feel-good positive news. Sharing such things could brighten someone else’s day.
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Clinical psychologist Diluxshy Sanjeevan[/caption]
Keep in touch
Social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t feel close to our loved ones. Some people are extroverted, some introverted, and this lockdown is quite difficult for an extrovert. “If they are an introvert, they’ll prefer staying alone at home and doing their own thing, but if they are an extrovert, they will feel the need to go out and socialise, so they will be facing negative impacts at this time.” Get creative, Sanjeevan said, describing that one could have a video chat to get together and celebrate birthdays or other occasions using everyday tools like Skype, Hangouts, or Zoom; or, synchronise watching your favourite TV show or movie together while chatting via text or video.
Make small deliveries
We all love receiving gifts, however small. In these times, most people are struggling financially, so if you have the ability to drop off a small delivery to a friend or family – especially if you know they are struggling – it is bound to mean a lot to them. Sending off some extra food, or a small trinket that reminded you of them could go a long way in making someone happy. Sanjeevan stated that this wouldn't make a significant impact, but it is sure to make you happy and put a smile on the other person's face as well. It’s the thought that counts.
Ask how you can help
Often, people ask how they can help you. Most of the time, it's not genuine; it's a way of just being friendly – it's like asking, "how are you doing?" without waiting for the answer. This is a time to mean it. Now, we’re asking: "Really, what can I do to help?"
“If you have a close circle with whom you can speak about anything comfortably with, then it doesn't matter how you ask, as they are bound to accept help, but if it’s someone you are not too close to, opening up the conversation is important,” Sanjeevan said, adding that communication is key.
Talk about mental health
Anxiety and depression intensifying under the pressures of isolation has prompted psychology experts to urge people to check in with friends and family members on a regular basis.
All of it has given the phrase “how are you doing?” a more important placement in our daily dialogue. Sanjeevan noted: “All this time, we've been talking about physical health, but a lot of people are feeling lonely and isolated, especially if they're following guidelines. So, having someone check in with them and ask, ‘how are you doing?’ sends a message of ‘I'm thinking of you, I care about you’.” Focusing on emotional and mental health in conversations helps people understand that they are not alone in how they're feeling during these times.
Clinical psychologist Diluxshy Sanjeevan[/caption]
Keep in touch
Social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t feel close to our loved ones. Some people are extroverted, some introverted, and this lockdown is quite difficult for an extrovert. “If they are an introvert, they’ll prefer staying alone at home and doing their own thing, but if they are an extrovert, they will feel the need to go out and socialise, so they will be facing negative impacts at this time.” Get creative, Sanjeevan said, describing that one could have a video chat to get together and celebrate birthdays or other occasions using everyday tools like Skype, Hangouts, or Zoom; or, synchronise watching your favourite TV show or movie together while chatting via text or video.
Make small deliveries
We all love receiving gifts, however small. In these times, most people are struggling financially, so if you have the ability to drop off a small delivery to a friend or family – especially if you know they are struggling – it is bound to mean a lot to them. Sending off some extra food, or a small trinket that reminded you of them could go a long way in making someone happy. Sanjeevan stated that this wouldn't make a significant impact, but it is sure to make you happy and put a smile on the other person's face as well. It’s the thought that counts.
Ask how you can help
Often, people ask how they can help you. Most of the time, it's not genuine; it's a way of just being friendly – it's like asking, "how are you doing?" without waiting for the answer. This is a time to mean it. Now, we’re asking: "Really, what can I do to help?"
“If you have a close circle with whom you can speak about anything comfortably with, then it doesn't matter how you ask, as they are bound to accept help, but if it’s someone you are not too close to, opening up the conversation is important,” Sanjeevan said, adding that communication is key.
Talk about mental health
Anxiety and depression intensifying under the pressures of isolation has prompted psychology experts to urge people to check in with friends and family members on a regular basis.
All of it has given the phrase “how are you doing?” a more important placement in our daily dialogue. Sanjeevan noted: “All this time, we've been talking about physical health, but a lot of people are feeling lonely and isolated, especially if they're following guidelines. So, having someone check in with them and ask, ‘how are you doing?’ sends a message of ‘I'm thinking of you, I care about you’.” Focusing on emotional and mental health in conversations helps people understand that they are not alone in how they're feeling during these times.