Follow 'social' not 'emotional' distancing: Senior Psychologist Dr Shanu Srivastava

Dr Shanu Srivastava, Senior Psychologist, Indian Spine Injuries Centre has been working endless hours to provide much-needed help to the people during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. There has been a lot said about Corona warriors in the recent few months and Dr Shanu is one such example. She is assisting people and providing help to the regular OPD patients comprising of injury and other ailments as well as the new cases that require psychological assistance on various issues during Corona days.

Here is the excerpt from her interview with Gaurav Chhabra:

Q:- Tell us about the issues that the majority of people are coming up with during COVID times?

A:- Majority of people are going through various negative emotions like, fear, sleeplessness, panic attacks of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, low mood etc. If anyone has history of any psychiatric illness the symptoms are flaring up.

Q:- What is the impact of television on people?

A:- In present scenario impact of television or any other social media is on extreme. Mostly people are watching news about COVID situation in the country and worldwide. Nowadays our mind is listening to news about Corona and even if we are talking with someone consciously and unconsciously we are somehow talking about Corona. So our mind is flooded with corona information so many negative emotions are prevalent like fear, anxiety, sleeplessness, low mood etc.

Q:- How one should maintain a balance between ‘work from home’ and personal life?

A:- Most people are working from home and they are missing their office life, social life very badly. Some of them have not been able to maintain a balance between their professional life and their personal life. The main reason is probably they are not giving space to each other. It's good that they are spending lots of time together but every relation demands some space, some ‘Me time...’ which can create wonders in personal relationships. So both husband and wife should understand the value of personal space. Although if you are working from home, there must be a proper daily schedule that should be followed every day. From doing some breathing exercises, yoga, to physical exercises, these things can do wonders for your body and mind as well. Get ready everyday as you used to do before going office.

Q:- Habits that can ease out pressure amid hectic work hours and limited outing these days

A:- People say there is hardly any social life nowadays but keep one thought in your mind that this time is for social distancing, not emotional distancing. So keep in touch with your loved ones, give time to your family, and friends. Make sure whenever you are talking with them try doing video calls that will provide solace to your mind that yes the person is not far from me. Do yoga, pranayaam on regular basis. Cooking is a stress buster and is also creative work so try to cook new dishes. Indulge your mind in some activities, bring back your old habits and revive that. Avoid watching COVID news all the time.