Viewing the current situation with the number of COVID cases increasing drastically in the country we as a nation have landed in a sorry state. The number of confirmed COVID 19 cases have augmented and are about to hit 1,75,000. People have lost jobs; daily wages labour is without basic necessities and some have been separated from their loved ones in these stressful times causing anxiety to the young and old, to the poor and the rich. And with a heavy heart the Aitchisonian body witnessed the horrifying news of one our seniors passing away abroad due to anxiety. A shining star, and a hero to look up to, the entire student community was in a state of shock. It made us realize what mental health in these stressful times meant. Moreover, it had led many to a state of misery further leading to anxiety attacks and ultimately harming them and affecting their brain. This was followed by the news of a Bollywood sensation committing suicide due to anxiety. The whole world is concerned as it has indeed left everyone astounded in a state of trauma.
Hence what should be our role? It made me think about those who have lost their jobs; the women who were unable to provide for their families. The artisans who could not feed their children at night. What is our role as citizens? We need to as a community give back in whatever capacity we can, or as a country with shortage of basic resources we will end up as a depressed nation. A nation where every household will be touched by anxiety at some level. Let us come together. Let us be there for each other. Let us work, raise funds and help those around us. Then we will remember those heroic stories one day passed on to the next generations. The younger generation’s fear is exacerbating from time to time and we must spread hope, give strength to each other, by looking after those who are aroundus and help in whatever capacity we can to contribute towards positive mental health.
– Mahad Kakar, Volunteer from Aitchison College