Far-reaching consequences of prolonged lockdown are unforeseeable. It will bring about behavioural changes in us, states Tabassum. An exclusive for Different Truths.

“For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,
And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed;
And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,
And their hearts but once heaved, and forever grew still!”

~ The Destruction of Sennacherib by Lord George Gordon Byron

In some countries, lockdown is going on. In some countries, lockdown is extended, and in some countries, lockdown is eased. During these unsettling times, we need to focus on our mental health.

Some might feel angry. Some might feel despair. Some might feel helpless. Some might feel weird. Some might feel tired and sick. Possibly we are looking into unforeseeable future for the time being.

We need to be aware of our behavioural changes, which concern our mental health. Some of us have the privilege of staying home, and the majority don’t have the option to stay at home. Yes, daily wagers.

We need to be aware of our behavioural changes, which concern our mental health. Some of us have the privilege of staying home, and the majority don’t have the option to stay at home. Yes, daily wagers. Some of us have the opportunity of making food and uploading the video in social media where some don’t have the privilege of having one meal in a day. One has the Dalgona coffee making challenge where the other has the challenge to seize the day and to stay alive. This unprecedented time has brought some other problems as well. Anxiety, anger, depression, fear, PTSD, domestic violence, frustration, etc. Which are slowly eating up our minds? Fears of losing jobs or losing business. The frustration of not being able to meet people socially. The disappointment of not being ready to go outside. The desperation of uncertainty. School going children had the restrictions by the family now under the limits of the society and state. Senior citizens frustrations of the void. Working professional insecurities about the career. All these frustrations build up and come out as anger. This anger may turn people violent. Such behaviour is often observed internationally after events of curfew and lockdown. So, what can we do? How can you stay mentally healthy during the times of lockdown? How can you keep yourself from getting depressed at this uncertain time? We need to understand the problem before we get to the solutions. We need to admit that even if we are safe at homes, we may not be still safe from all the dangers. Let us explain:

On April 15, a man in Feni, Bangladesh streamed killing his wife on Facebook Live before turning himself in to law enforcement. In the initial investigation, the police has stated that it is due to the family feud. But it has happened first time in Bangladesh. Live streaming of killing.

• The psychological impact of the lockdown because it is unprecedented. During war times, people had gone through curfews. But during war times we had an
  

  

  enemy. Now, we have an invisible enemy.

• In the beginning, we have thought that what’s the problem of staying at home. We will watch tv, movies, serials. But for how long? In a month, people have become tired.
• Suicides are reported during lockdown around the world.
• Chain smokers, alcoholics and drug addicts may behave abnormally.
• During the SARS outbreak, about 29% of people who were quarantines showed symptoms of Post Traumatic Disorder or PTSD and about 31% of people had signs of depression.
• People can feel loneliness.
• We may not even notice the psychological instability in the people near us.
• Staying together without any break from each other, 24/7 couples may find themselves in conflict.
• On April 15,a man in Feni, Bangladesh streamed killing his wife on Facebook Live before turning himself into law enforcement. In the initial investigation, the police have stated that it is due to the family feud. But it has happened first time in Bangladesh. Live streaming of killing. Police station said they did not find any live video on his Facebook profile but are analysing his posts. It was seen on his Facebook live that he hacked his wife with a sharp weapon, leaving her dead on the spot.
• Many people on Facebook shared his live streaming. Ask yourself.
• Divorce may spike during or after the lockdown.
• According to a recent finding by the UN Women, since the outbreak of COVID-19 violence against women and girls, and particularly domestic violence has intensified.
• It’s likely to increase as security, health, and money worries heighten tensions and strains are accentuated by cramped and confined living conditions.
• We have to understand that this is a depressing time for all of us, but the people can help us with this is our family and life partners. Even if some relationships are just in names, then there is no need to make it worse during such times.
• We need to be aware of our attitudes towards the doctors. They are front liner fighters. The blame game is not helpful.
• We need to stop the rise of hatred, racism and xenophobia. Chinese people, South East Asian people, people from North East India and Indigenous people from Chittagong Hill tracks are not responsible for the virus.
• Empty minds are the home at the devil. Always remember the classic saying.

            Stay away from fear-mongering and misinformation.

• Do not react to the provoking news. Verify the story from well-reputed news channels. If it is fake news, report immediately.
• Don’t get anxious after seeing your friend’s exciting pictures on social media. It
  

  

  does not mean you have to do the same.

• Watch good shows, exercise, spend quality time with your family, eat healthily, experiment cooking with the leftovers, practicing or listening music, socializing in social media, maintain work-life balance, keep in touch with old friends.
• Read books and if you have audiobook apps, make the best use of it.
• Watch your behaviour. Are you becoming angry, losing patience, reacting, shouting, slamming doors, breaking things feeling irritated more than usual?
• Watch out the same pattern of behaviour change in the family members.
• Watch the non-verbal clues of the family members and respond accordingly with caution and patience.
• Watch out for the children. What are they doing? Notice if they have any hiding tendency.
• If you have pets, don’t cuddle them too much. You might get a scratch because these creatures are more confined than ever.
• If you have leftovers, feed to the strays. You might feel a sense of peace.
• You are not the only one who is confined. The feelings of being imprisoned, trapped or locked is natural. There is no need to be paranoid. Take it easy.
• Be compassionate and kind. Compare yourself with those who are hungry, homeless in the streets. Think that you have privileges, and you are a fortunate one. You will feel less angry, tired and frustrated, weird, tired and sick and depressed.

We need to stop the rise of hatred, racism and xenophobia. Chinese people, South East Asian people, people from North East India and Indigenous people from Chittagong Hill tracks are not responsible for the virus.

It is mandatory to stay at home. Or we may see the ‘Angel of Death’ as described by Lord Byron in his The Destruction of Sennacherib. It is a symbol for the force of death and time in the world in general.

Stay safe, health and sound until next week.

Photo sourced by the author and the internet.