I have come across a vast number of people with Mental Health & Addiction problems and how it affects not just the patients but also the people they live with.
Addiction & alcoholism are often stigmatised and looked down upon in affluent as well as the not so privileged sections of society.
In the usual course of therapy to people with mental health and addiction issues, I recommend reaching out to socialise, meet people and discuss. Unlike in the case of the current lockdown, where we are expected to isolate ourselves from the world outside. Such severe forms of isolation can push patients through mild to severe forms of withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, depression, paranoia and fear. It can escalate in other forms of problems like self harm, violence/domestic abuse, aggression, sleeplessness, panic attacks and even suicidal thoughts.
I recommend to use the lockdown opportunity to:
- Channelise your energies in a very positive way
- Self reflect
- Use creative ways like art, music, drawing, blogging, poetry writing to keep yourself occupied
- Engage in simple things like cooking, cleaning your homes and even gardening
- Promote that positivity
- Interact and reach out to your own people, friends and family
- Create a gratitude list – call your parents and friends
- Virtually connect with the world outside
For all friends and patients who are struggling to cope with physical and emotional stress related withdrawals, please note that there is help out there in the form of medication and counselling. Alternative methods of self-help include exercising, yoga and meditation techniques. There is significant material available on Google and YouTube such as meditative music therapy.
Please do not hesitate to reach out for help. You can contact your loved ones for immediate assistance, but you can also reach out to me for any queries.
Dr. Nitin Raje-Ghatge – MD, DMLS, DFMS (London)
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