The two years of the COVID-19 pandemic were characterized by prolonged periods of confinement and stringent restrictions, compounded by a constant stream of distressing news. Individuals worldwide dealt with overwhelming emotions including frustration, anxiety, and anger, leading to a surge in mental health challenges. This article examines the coping mechanisms employed by individuals to navigate feelings of defeat during this unprecedented period. Understanding these strategies may offer valuable insights into addressing some of the continuing mental health crises.

The stringent lockdowns and enforced social distancing protocols aimed at containing the virus's spread resulted in pervasive feelings of fear and isolation among the populace. Moreover, the economic fallout of the pandemic exacerbated mental health challenges for many Indians. Widespread job losses and financial strain placed individuals and families under immense stress, amplifying pre-existing anxieties and contributing to a deterioration of overall mental well-being. Many individuals also experienced the devastating impact of losing loved ones to COVID-19, intensifying feelings of grief and plunging affected individuals into states of profound depression. With healthcare resources overwhelmed by the demands of the pandemic, individuals grappling with mental health issues found themselves confronting additional obstacles in accessing the support and treatment they desperately needed.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression was one of the leading issues that came up across the whole population of India but often overlooked on account of the lack of awareness of the same seen in India. The uncertainty surrounding the virus, coupled with social isolation measures and economic stressors, has contributed to these mental health challenges.

In the midst of such difficulties, how did people cope with the feelings of anxiety and depression?

·         Embracing A Routine: Adhering to a structured daily schedule emerged as a vital tool in restoring a semblance of normalcy and exerting    control over unpredictable circumstances. Establishing consistent sleep patterns and dedicated work hours helped alleviate anxiety.

·         Seeking Support: Therapy and Counselling, whether in-person or accessible online, proved invaluable in providing guidance and assistance for individuals grappling with anxiety and depression. Helplines and support groups also offered additional avenues for seeking assistance and camaraderie.

·         Embracing Mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga, played a pivotal role in reducing stress levels and enhancing mental well-being. Exploring various techniques allowed individuals to discover methods that resonated most with them.

·         Prioritising Physical Activity: Incorporating regular exercise into daily routines, whether indoors or outdoors, emerged as a potent strategy for combating stress and elevating mood. Activities ranging from brisk walks to lively dance sessions provided avenues for physical movement and emotional rejuvenation.

·         Valuing Self-Care: Carving out time for cherished activities, be it pursuing hobbies, immersing oneself in literature, or cherishing moments  with loved ones, fostered emotional nourishment. Embracing moments of relaxation and indulgence proved instrumental in nurturing overall well-being.

Loneliness and Isolation

We saw how the pandemic engendered widespread social loneliness and isolation, exacerbating mental health challenges globally. With stringent lockdowns and social distancing measures enacted to curb virus transmission, individuals faced prolonged periods of separation from social networks and communities.

·         Stay Connected Virtually: Don't let distance dim your connect

·         Discover New Passions: Embrace your interests while at home! Whether it's reading, writing, painting, or learning a new skill, hobbies can bring joy and divert attention from isolation.

·         Seek Support & Maintain Routine:

.         Don't Hesitate to Reach Out: Talk to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you're feeling overwhelmed. Sharing your feelings with a trusted confidant can be a huge relief.

.          Daily Routine: Create a structured daily routine, including sleep schedules and designated work/activity times. This provides a sense of control and normalcy.

.         Connect with Helpers: Explore online support groups for people struggling with loneliness or mental health issues.

·         Prioritize Self-Care & Well-being

Loss and Sufferings

The COVID-19 pandemic unleashed a global wave of profound loss and suffering. Bereaved families endured the sudden deaths of loved ones, often compounded by the inability to hold proper farewell ceremonies due to limitations on gatherings and funerals. The sheer scale of loss, coupled with the disruption of traditional communal grieving practices, has significantly exacerbated the emotional burden. Managing grief in this unprecedented context necessitates a flexible and resilient approach in the face of overwhelming sorrow.

·         Supportive Groups: Online forums provided a safe space for individuals to connect and share their experiences of loss, fostering a sense of solidarity and understanding.

·         Expressive Outlets: Coping with grief was facilitated through creative means such as journaling, art therapy, and creating memory keepsakes, enabling individuals to honour and memorialise their loved ones.

·         Adapting Traditions: Virtual Rites and modified customs helped maintain a sense of connection with departed family members, offering solace during times of mourning.

·         Accessible counselling: Increased availability of telemedicine expanded access to therapy and counselling services, offering support to those navigating complex bereavement.

·         Prioritizing Well-Being: Emphasizing good sleep, regular exercise

The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light how vital it is to address mental health issues and put in place practical coping mechanisms. Through the creation of supportive communities, the modification of customs, the improvement of counselling accessibility, and the emphasis on personal well-being, people can effectively deal with the psychological effects of the epidemic. The mental health problems that continue to plague the human mind can be overcome with similar strategies and mindsets. Thus, let us unite and apply the lessons learned from a period of widespread darkness to advance towards the light.