Our Reporter
Dimapur, April 24 (EMN): While it is important to stay physically fit and well informed, one’s sound mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic is equally necessary.
The All Nagaland Counsellors’ Association has volunteered to provide free telephonic counselling services to anyone having coronavirus-related concerns.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, noted psychiatrist and retired official in the department of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. P Ngullie, said that stigma and discrimination associated with the novel coronavirus exist in the society, which is why people do not come forward with Covid-19 related issues.
“In such a situation, counselling takes a bigger role, where only the person who experiences knows how distressing it is,” he said.
Ngullie informed that he, along with another senior doctor, would be available for “critical counselling” if needed.
According to a source, more than 15 persons have already contacted the ANCA for stress and anxiety caused by Covid-19 in the past two weeks.
“Counselling is not giving advice; counselling is empowering the person,” maintained Ngullie and added that the uncertainty and instability of the virus is what causes the anxiety.
In this situation, the brain is programmed to “fight or flight,” shared Ngullie, ‘where both fight and flight requires energy’.
“A hormone called cortisol is released when a person is faced with such situations. But with Covid-19, who do you fight or flee from; it is everywhere but then again, not there,” said Ngullie.
“That is why factual knowledge is important, and also have somebody explain that the situation is under control, thereby lowering the threat perception,” informed Ngullie.
While rumours and speculation fuel anxiety, Ngullie suggested that one must look up at reputable sources regarding the outbreak.
“From my point of view, we have to find out why and how the anxiety is there; basic principle of counselling is to have a non-judgemental attitude,” said Ngullie and added that even the tone itself is important for effective counselling.
“The healing will happen only after the person is relieved of the distress and despair,” shared Ngullie.
In a document for mental health and psychosocial considerations during the Covid-19 outbreak, the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that Covid-19 has, and is likely to, affect people from many countries.
When referring to people with Covid-19, do not attach the disease to any particular ethnicity or nationality, it stated.
‘Be empathetic to all those who are affected, in and from any country. People who are affected have not done anything wrong, and they deserve our support, compassion and kindness,’ said the WHO.
Further, it advised not to refer to people with the disease as “Covid-19 cases, victims, Covid-19 families or the diseased”.
“They are people who have Covid-19, people who are being treated for Covid-19, or people who are recovering from Covid-19,” it stated.
‘Minimise watching, reading or listening to news about Covid-19 that causes you to feel anxious or distressed; seek information only from trusted sources and mainly so that you can take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones.
‘Seek information updates at specific times during the day, once or twice. The sudden and near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel worried. Get the facts; not rumours and misinformation.
‘Gather information at regular intervals from the WHO website and local health authority platforms in order to help you distinguish facts from rumours. Facts can help to minimise fears,’ it further advised.