By: Japneet Sandhu
This past year has left a huge print in everyone’s lives as it affected and impacted several activities, school, work, public places and most importantly, millions of lives. However, along with these differentiating factors and situations that the entire world is facing, many households and individuals are also fighting another battle; a mental health crisis. Due to the lack of socialization and increase in isolation rates, this has come to affect communities dreadfully. Humans are always in need of a social connection as we’re social creatures but with no social interconnection, this can cause a lot of damage to an individual. With a sudden drastic change in everyone’s lives, statistics show that the mental illness rates have also increased by a lot.
Not only are adults affected by this pandemic but several children and youth who are suffering from mental health illnesses due to the lack of support, social activities and engagement with the community such as in a school environment. Statistics Canada had recently conducted a survey where they came across some quite shocking results. As of 2020, “one in 5 (21%) Canadian adults aged 18 and older screened positive for at least one of three mental disorders that were assessed: major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)” (Statistics Canada, 2021). There has been so much social anxiety that individuals are facing. As our surroundings are finally starting to get close to being considerably normal again, we must try to help each other and ourselves to fight off these lockdown blues and to focus on the physical and mental positivity aspect. As an entire community, we need to take a step to fight off this crisis in times like these. A few ways to help those impacted by the mental health crisis during this time is checking in on our loved ones. Since it’s not appropriate to meet everyone and go out to places during this time, we all should call in, facetime, and check in on our friends and family in these tough times. We must also take care of ourselves physically by eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, exercising, stretching and meditating. Maintaining physical fitness and health also has a positive outlook on your mental health.
On a positive note, we all must reflect on our relationships and the valuable aspects in our lives that we all took for granted. With this pandemic, several people were isolated and were able to reflect on the relationships and moments we all had before this pandemic. The “normalness” we took for granted that we’re all striving for so that we can go back to normal. Most importantly, when in need of a resource to talk to and if you’re struggling, reach out to your local or regional support systems like Kids Help Phone or talk to someone whom you trust.
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