04 Jul 2020  |   03:40am IST

Post COVID world: Not just the survival of the fittest but fastest

Depression is now a steady companion for many in the world and more so in Goa as COVID 19 lays waste to everything in its way. Café spoke to professionals who feel that learning life coping skills and that too very quickly, as opposed to just treating depression was the answer

Ajit John;

If COVID had made an appearance in the sixties, it would have failed to do as much collateral damage as it does now. Expectations were low, families were still together with generations bonding and loneliness would be kept at bay with laughter, jokes and leg-pulling. And yes, the absence of technology, also had its advantages. There was less alarm, or false WhatsApp forwards.

Goa, relatively speaking has faced much less a brunt of COVID than other states. But we are a much smaller state with a population far less than the affected cases in the major metros. As cases of depression, mood swings and lack of self-belief begin to climb, seasoned professionals are gearing up and realsing the importance of  life coping skills  and the need to weave the imparting of these skills into formal learning.

A genial and much-admired Father Kinley D’Cruz of the Don Bosco College of Engineering at Fatorda is one of them. Speaking to Café he said, “This is now the world of the fittest and more importantly of the fastest. The education system would have to now incorporate an entirely new subject called life coping skills. One has to learn to appreciate oneself which would be very important. Suicide, he said was an option being chosen by a few if media reports were anything to go by. Depression was a reality and students who earlier would be at school would now have to deal with their parents keeping an eye and perhaps pointing out every error. Earlier they would go out play with friends, express themselves, feel good about themselves and come home hale and hearty. Now that was not happening” 

Father D’Cruz said it was important to inculcate in the young people that life is not one straight and narrow road but it had several by-lines and gullies which would be very useful. It was he said important to stay positive and that would be a battle. Now with job losses and the tensions of paying the EMI for the house, the car and for the electronic gadgets had given more cause for people to feel depressed.  The new life coping skills that would have to be inculcated in the education system would help the citizens of tomorrow deal with a very changed world. 

Amita Quenim, Founder icebreaQers and Dispute Resolution Psychologist said she had been talking to a lot of people dealing with stress and depression in their lives. She said this was not a problem only in Goa but it was rising everywhere due to various reasons. She said “Different people are either feeling low or depressed. One can also be medically depressed which is very different or one can feel low because of a complete change and halt in lifestyle. What has added to the problem is the uncertainty as to what will happen in the future”. 

She said the problem was that there were a lot of fears about the virus. It was important to take steps to protect oneself. It was she said important to follow the protocols. The virus would be around and since no cure had been found as yet it would be something everyone would have to deal with for a couple of years. The problem was beyond one’s control. It was important for people to stand up and face that reality. The fear had to go away and replaced with facts. 

A lot of people she said in various age groups were feeling low despite having the money, the house and a comfortable lifestyle. Now for the first time, people had to pause. Many people she said had to learn to develop a good habit. It is difficult but it had to be done. Everyone had to readjust to a new lifestyle. This was she said the new normal. 

Dr Meenacshi Martins mental health professional felt “Loneliness has affected people who find themselves in small spaces, cut off from the outside world.  There are several who cannot yet return home. All this gives rise to severe stress and mental health issues. We need to focus on what we have at the moment.  She said “Talking to friends and neighbours helps, as does keeping in touch with extended family.  Emotional contact needs to be cultivated and nurtured. Daily contact with the vulnerable people around us will give us an idea of who is feeling what. If need be, health professional can be contacted for professional assistance.” 

It remains to be seen how long this virus stays and what it costs will be on the population, one can only hope it is not steep and heavy price.