Address for correspondence: Shivani Haritay, Masters of Public Health KLE JNMC, Belagavi, Karnataka.
Email Id : shivaniharitay@gmail.com
How to cite this article?
Haritay S. A brief commentary on COVID-19: A Disguised Lesson of Positivity. Journal of Mental Health Education. 2021;3(1):4-6
“Having an attitude that looks for the positive and tries to be optimistic can help you to filter out some of the constant barrage of bas or discouraging news- the figures of the disease and how it’s growing,” Wilcox said.
Covid-19 has created havoc all over the world, leaving traces of death. Negativity in the form of stress has been witnessed in every aspect of our lives. The constant fear of being tested positive for COVID-19 has been challenging for every individual and a sense of being safe is lost due to rise in the cases. Major steps to cope up with this pandemic crisis included restriction
of movement and social distancing, which led individuals to be isolated at home, affecting their mental health indirectly as recreational activities like travelling, exploring streets and others were completely stopped for a period of time which added to their frustration and anger. The sense of anxiety about one’s own health had brought changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
The present crisis is a transitional phase as the past shows us to value the present that is most important to us and to look into the future to discover the newness of life. 3 COVID-19 has been a disguised teacher who taught us the key lessons of life. The transmission of COVID- 19 has indicated that if one does not take care of himself, he can be at the risk of getting infected or infecting those around him. The second most important lesson was to value the smallest steps like maintaining hygiene and sanitation, following the simplest rules and regulations set by the government. Thirdly, to be aware of one’s own action towards the environment, following the guidelines of wearing a mask and gloves is absolutely right but discarding them in a proper way is also equally important. Fourth lesson was learning how to respect time, the questions like how much time did I lose being sad, angry, or gain a moment being happy? During this phase time played a vital role, it reconnected one to his own hobbies and cultivated an art of adjustment. Fifth, the share of responsibilities at home, the gender based roles merged during this time, for family time played a vital role. Sixth, the greatness of sacrifices by our health care frontline workers, law and order officials and others proved to be a true inspiration. Lastly COVID-19 through its nature of virus showcased it mightiness of power over humanity, the greatest take away from it was together if humans decide to accept change, no power can conquer the will of a man, today every individual has united together to fight back against the pandemic, with a hope to end this crisis sooner. Positive emotions, such as comfort, happiness, joy, love, and gratitude, can help maintain and improve human mental health. 3 To conclude being positive during a challenging time like a pandemic, seems little tough but looking at the broader aspect and with a choice in change of thought, positivity can help in coping not only stress but also one’s own routine making it more productive and cheerful. Covid-19 has paved a path in shaping human life in every aspect while battling with the crises.
References
1. Readers Blog by Times of India. India :Archie Mishra April 19 2020, (cited on September 21, 2020) available at https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/bubblybarebones/15ways-to-staypositive-du ring-covid-19-12287/ (last accessed on September 21, 2020)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(2020) Coping with Stress available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress- anxiety.html (last accessed on September 21, 2020)
3. Yamaguchi, K., Takebayashi, Y., Miyamae, M., Komazawa, A., Yokoyama, C., & Ito, M. Role of focusing on the positive side during COVID-19 outbreak: Mental health perspective from positive psychology Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy 2020. 12(S1), S49 S50.