The Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown for almost one year had its negative and positive psychological impact. On one hand frustration among youngsters increased due continuous confinement at home, on the other the professionals who were continuously busy realised pleasure of improved relationship at home.
The year-long restriction on movement has resulted in increasing lethargy and obesity among youngsters. At the same time seniors became more health conscious and have adapted to healthy life style.
Noted pediatric and psychiatrist Dr Jaya Shiwalkar and psychiatric counselor Dr Nikhil Pande explained the fall-out of the lockdown or restricted activity. While talking to The Live Nagpur Dr Shiwalkar stated that a remarkable issue among adolescents was growing relationships and break-ups. Anxiety, depression were common symptoms. The screen time increased, which affected health – both physical and mental.
Dr Pande spoke about the adults, who in the initial stage of the pandemic had shown signs of fluctuation in blood pressure and diabetes, have now turned to healthy lifestyle. Many professionals, who were very busy in their work, started getting time for their family and are happy. To a great extend their rat race for material gain, has decreased. Many of them have realised the real pleasure of life, which is not related to money.
Dr Shiwalkar said that because the schools and colleges are closed, the students are worried about their career. They are also deprived of activities like outdoor sports and cultural activities. The lockdown has also resulted in lack of motivation among them. They are living in virtual world.
The growing number of suicides reported by the media everyday, unfortunately finds one of the causes in the lockdown. Reports related to murder, violent behaviour due to pre-marital, extra-marital relations or one-sided love affairs or relations with more than one person are growing during the lockdown. Such cases have increased by 20 or 30 per cent.
Dr Pande shared his experience, which is on the positive impact of the lockdown. He said that many of his clients gave up or rather had to give up smoking. Abstinence for months together because of non-availability, has resulted in many giving up smoking and liquor consumption. Many others have adapted to new and better thinks. This may be because either they lost the job or suffered losses in their business.
In the beginning, fear of getting infection reduced with the time. People are taking proper care and have also adapted to new and healthy life. The old clients have expressed happiness over improvement in their health. The Corona phobia has reduced, Dr Pande said.
The issues are different for the already disturbed families. The time of relief was the time in their office. This has reduced. Work from home has resulted in both increased domestic disturbances and in other cases improvement in communication between family members. The Coronavirus has played both the roles of improving the quality of life who adapted to the new style and for others increased disturbances in the family and the society.
