As a nation irrespective of haves and have nots all are going through enormous difficulties. The negative feelings and worrying will not help. We need to impose healthy attitudes towards life, said the Chairperson of Sri Lanka Sumithrayo, Kumudini De Silva in an interview with the Sunday Observer. " It’s always better to talk about your innermost difficult feelings and pain with someone whom you can trust," she added.
Excerpts
Q: Is there an increase in the number of people seeking mental health help these days?
A: Yes, with these unimaginable hardships, the entire nation is going through a very stressful and distressful period.
Especially the people who don’t have a regular income, self-employed ones who are unable to continue their business, three-wheeler drivers and other people who have bought things on lease and are unable to pay their leases and, new young recruits who are uncertain of their jobs as well as most other employed ones who undergo regular pay cuts.
Students are the most affected. With no proper schooling for some time, they are unable to face exams. Elders who are not having any family support or financial assistance, construction workers, and parents who are unable to feed their children with proper nutrition (malnutrition is on the increase) are equally helpless.
Every sphere of people is going through untold miseries.
In turn, they undergo stress, uncertainty, fear, anger, hopelessness, and helplessness which are driving them into many mental health and health issues.
The people who were going through treatment for mental health issues are also badly affected as they can’t get their medicines on time and are unable to lead their normal lives.
Q: What is the commonest cause of mental imbalance during the past few months as per your counselling experience?
A: Financial difficulties and relationship issues.
Q: In what ways does Sumithrayo reach out to the needy- those who require counselling?
A: We are always there for our people who are going through difficult and stressful times. It’s always better to talk about your innermost difficult feelings and pain with someone whom you can trust. Talking helps and listening heals. We are ever ready to listen to them and help them to unburden and discuss their options, refer them to places where they can get help, and empower and strengthen them to face the situation with a positive attitude.
Q: Do you think we, as a country, have given adequate importance to the mental health of individuals? If not, what are the areas that need attention?
A: As a country, we have a very good free health care system, but due to the prevailing situation, patients and the hospital staff are facing some difficulties. Awareness about mental health is not enough, people are also very reluctant to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Q: How to maintain mental balance? Will meditation help?
A: The present lifestyle of our Sri Lankan families has changed drastically. People are isolated even among their own families due to their relationship with technological equipment such as smartphones and computers.
Both parents are employed and hardly do have the time to be among the family members. No family support, difficulties in finding domestic help, and no adequate financial resources had led them to a very stressful life.
In the olden days, the lifestyle was simple and we had great support from our families and extended families. Our connections and bonds were strong. Our families were close to the temple, and church to make lives less stressful.
We need to encourage people to have healthy and strong relationships. Exercise and develop a healthy attitude towards life. We need to improve our life skills, especially coping, and decision-making skills, and face any situation with a positive mindset. Towards this, if we can use techniques of mindful meditation it also might help.
Q: How should one look after his/her mental health) especially during a period like this?
A: As a nation irrespective of haves and have nots all are going through enormous difficulties. The negative feelings and worrying will not help. We need to impose healthy attitudes towards life.
Infuse positivity, associate with people who are positive, and try to do whatever possible to survive and come out of the situation. Minimise listening to news and all negative publicity and reviews. Share and care about yourself and others around you.