Covid-19 is a weird time when all nightmares are coming true. Outbreaks generally erupt fear and panic which is true for the current situation. Additionally, its instigating mental health issues in individuals and groups. When people are forced to practice social distancing, it is affecting their socio-economic conditions. Especially for researchers, their meaningful dream of dissertation publication is paused in between. This is erupting frustration among everyone. As a cumulative result, people’s deepest cruelties are taking shape. Covid is amplifying the psychic negativities of human beings around. Each one is blaming the other for whatever happens around. Let’s look at some of the problems which are happening due to lack of mental health balance in people:
- Racism- Instead of uniting, people are speaking in negative terms with each other. Recently, the Black Lives Matter issue which happened in USA due to an accident, erupted a huge fire which was dormant so far. Aggressive protests started on streets and on social media across the world from those who have always felt marginalized in a particular society. Any group which has been treated as ‘other’ in an environment, came up with their personal issues, which in turn propagated the virus which again started affecting masses in those areas.
- Discrimination- Everyone is in a threatened mode of existence of news of the virus coming each day with more number of affects. So, in order to protect themselves, people are dissuading from humanity. People are being irrational and rude towards a victim. Sometimes, those suffering, are being treated like untouchables in society; in some places, they are being threatened by the police as if they are criminals. This kind of negativity, instead of improving situations, is spreading angst and more fear.
- Superstition- Another bad aspect of Covid is that, people are blindly pursuing their superstitions. In place of pursuing dissertation publication, researchers and scientists are trying to understand the cause of the virus, however, in absence of concrete evidence, people have started believing that corona has come because Chinese eat grasshoppers. Such weird concepts and misconceptions are ruining the basis of fundamentals and badly affecting human perceptions and attitudes.
- Political Propaganda- People are refusing to wear masks because they believe it shows weakness; crowds do not decide alone; they are being motivated by political leaders to do so ….. Some are refusing masks because they think it’s a religious insult. In such a scenario, the problems of discrimination are increasing. Hate speeches against mask bearers are being given by insensible people who do not value lives; on the other hand, their immature behavior is also instigating commoners who are trying to be safe, so they are shouting out in anger; protesting against brainless people.
This is a crucial time for mankind; it’s a warning that nothing is in our control. Everything can change tomorrow what we have today. However, the Covid-19 is gradually taking a socio-political angle. So what we can do to fight these things? –
- Keep away from fake news- With spreading panic, more fake news and misinformation are being circulated over TV and internet. It is important to be informed but misinformation is especially dangerous. It spreads negativity, wrong notions and causes harm.
- Be rational- Meditate in order to control your thoughts. Avoid engaging in stereotypes. Do not engage in conversations that perpetuate negativity. This is not the time to divide between ‘me’ and the ‘other’; rather, the disease can be fought when everyone acts together with sensibility.
- Understand that Covid is a global pandemic, not a political or social event- Do what is needful to keep the virus away. Follow health organizations’ instructions about social behaviors. There is no need to relate a disease to religious scripts or political expressions. Wearing masks can protect your health and that of others; it doesn’t have to do with strength or weakness. Social distancing is for safety, not authority.
- Practice writing- writing can develop your professional skill as a researcher as you focus on your dissertation publication. But writing also can be a medium of expression. Write out what you are writing or going through; this is very helpful in reducing negativity. Share your thoughts with others; communicate on media, express what better can be done to induce positivity. Motivate others with your words. Tell them the right way of surviving Covid.
This is a serious time. The best practices have to be followed so that, negatives like racism, discrimination and superstition will stay away. It is time to be more compassionate, rational and sensible towards others so that we can together fight this global pandemic.
