Make mental health a priority.

Byline: Zara Maqbool

More than any other time in our lives, this pandemic is the most important reason to start making our mental health a priority. I can't say it enough; along with all the vitamins, desi totkas and healthy eating, mental health needs to be understood and paid close attention to, in order to build immunity against this devil called corona.

Pakistan is breaking all records with the number of people being infected on a daily basis and mortality numbers rising. People are very anxious, getting paranoid, overwhelmed with fear as corona hits home.

It's very important to understand that we need to nurture our own mental health as well as support the mental health of people around us. At the moment, speaking from my own experience and what my clients share with me, everyone is very scared and doing a great job of further scaring others by constantly re-reminding each other of coronavirus. We do it by informing each other who has tested positive in our common circles, by constantly sharing information about the disease, its possible treatment options and the long list of 'totkas' on repeat mode.

Are we even aware of how it mentally affects others? To be constantly triggered in a hyperactive state of fear and what it does to the nervous system?

What people don't understand is that, just like physically our immunity isn't the same, mentally our immunity also varies. A repeat of corona preventive measures might be ignored by some, read carefully by a few but might send others in a panic attack. This last group might be people who always doubt if they are doing enough and a long list of advice will surely set them up for failure. Also imagine what is happening to people who are already suffering from OCD (an Obsessive-compulsive Disorder). Their anxiety levels must be hitting the roof.

Recently, we all heard the news of a young guy committing suicide in the US. Just a few days ago, an Indian actor committed suicide. There are so many people around us who practice self-harm; they are at suicide risk and silently live through it until they no longer can. The pandemic has amplified their depression and anxiety as they are locked in for months at end and triggered again and again with fear of these uncertain times.

We have to start being responsible about our words and actions these days. For example, think for a moment before you forward a message to your family or friends WhatsApp groups. Ask yourself. Is it helpful to share it? Or am I...