Indspire Me

By Akanksha Sharma

The novel Corona Virus, COVID-19 Pandemic is affecting all of us in India, and around the world severely. People are suffering, and the healthcare systems of countries are under stress as they try to deal with this health emergency. Ordinary citizens like you and I must also do our part to prevent the spread of infection through measures like social distancing and avoiding unnecessary travel, washing hands regularly etc. as specified by the authorities.  Also, one of the most important things is to maintain our compassion towards our fellow human beings, and to be co-operative and not competitive or combative in this time of crisis. There are so many unfortunate and sad examples of behaviour that I have been observing in the past month, where people are indulging in rumour mongering, hoarding, xenophobia and panic generation, that I was simply compelled to write this article. There is a right way to think and act, and there are ways to come out of this harsh time with grace, maintaining dignity and compassion towards others.

Have Compassion for those Who are Suffering

The elderly, the weak and the ones with compromised immune systems need our understanding and compassion the most.  We must help the vulnerable people around us in our own small ways. If you know any elderlies who are living alone, do call them and ask them if they need any help. They may not be in a position to go out and buy groceries or they may not know how to order essentials online. If you are wealthy, and you have the luxury to buy groceries in bulk, please do not start hoarding them. There may be many other at-risk people who need them, and who may not be able to access them because there is nothing available in the markets and shops.

In case you know anyone among your friends or loved ones, who has a weak immune system, and who tends to fall ill frequently, advise them to follow a balanced diet and a regular exercise regime, especially during the current time. Regular exercise is very important for building muscles, as it increases the blood circulation in our body. Your circulatory system must function properly for it to carry immune cells to all your organs and to flush out toxins. Help the people around you become stronger, so that they are able to get through this crisis.

Respect Frontline Healthcare Workers & Maintain Social Distancing for Collective Good

Maintain social distancing, as if many people get infected with Corona virus at the same time, then our health system will be severely overburdened. There should be enough resources and infrastructure to support existing patients. Already, many people in India are battling with cancer, HIV AIDS and TB- some of the deadliest illnesses to get through.  The doctors, nurses, lab workers, ward workers and hospital cleaners who are on the front lines of the current health care emergency should be respected and commended for their work and courage.

Extensive social distancing is the best way to contain the spread of corona virus. You can take a look at these very interesting data simulations shared by the Washington Post where four different scenarios of controlling the spread- free for all, forced quarantine, moderate social distancing and extensive social distancing, are compared. It will be easier for you to understand the patterns through these interactive data visualizations.

Do Not Indulge in Unverified Rumour Mongering about People

Everyone wants to know the latest news, development and events, which is understandable. But the problem comes when people start passing around rumours, that are not verified and start making people who are suffering the target of hatred and ill-will. Recently, there were some WhatsApp rumours being circulated in Faridabad (in Haryana), regarding a family which was suspected to have come into contact with a relative who had Corona virus. Their house number was revealed and they were being censured and cursed by other families in the locality. However, these rumours were later found out to be false.  It is very important that we maintain our calm and not indulge in rumour mongering about our neighbours.

When people are in prolonged panicked states, their sympathetic nervous systems are highly activated and their capacity for rational thought decreases.  We should not have an ‘us’ versus the ‘others’ mentality. When it comes to survival, people tend to have an in-group and out-group mentality. But  we need to realize is that we are all in this together, and we have to go through this whole crisis with love and compassion towards each other.  The Corona virus crisis is not going to last forever, and we should be able to come out of it with a clear conscience.

Be Ethical in Your Financial Decisions during this Difficult Time

I live in Noida, and over here a few cases of Corona virus have been detected in some of the reputed societies. These societies have restricted the entry  maids and house helps to the society for some time. If you are also in a similar situation and you suspect that similar measures may be enacted in your society, kindly pay your helpers in advance so that they are able to run their homes and feed their children. If possible, try to buy your groceries from small and medium sized local businesses, rather than large chain stores. Local businesses will be the ones most affected by the decline in sales, as they have no other source to support their families. Not everyone has the privilege of having a nest-egg of savings.

Practice responsible behaviour and love and respect your fellow human beings. Share this article among your social networks to educate people, and to point them in the right direction. Stay tuned to our section on Mental Health Inspiration for valuable resources to help you cope up with the tough times of life.

About the Author

Akanksha Sharma is a Psychological Counsellor, a Mental Health writer and Founder of Indspire Me. Write to her at akanksha.sharma158@gmail.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.