• Life is sometimes filled with anxiety, internal conflict, disharmony, uncertainty and fear of the unknown. These thoughts give way to extreme feelings.
• COVID-19 has acted as a catalyst inducing anxiety in the life of individuals who are already stressed because of various factors and modern lifestyles.

Stress in modern life

• There are many factors that cause stress in modern life which include
  • more engagement with technology and less with people;
  • more focus on “success” (the ends) rather than the process of learning (the means);
  • never-ending aspirations;
  • relationship issues;
  • impatience while doing tasks, for this is a generation looking for instant gratification; and
  • too many choices and the limitations of the human mind to choose wisely.
  • an underlying strain on the socio-cultural fabric.
• Some of this stress, if not handled well, can push human beings into depression.

Coping mechanisms for anxiety and depression

Finding a meaning in life

• • Studies about the source of depression found that it is the lack of meaning in life that leads to depression.
  • Individuals who are able to discover meaning tend to achieve the will and strength to endure life.
• How do we find meaning in life? 
  • Meaning can be found in love and work.
  • Love for fellow beings is what motivates a person to work or take action.
  • If we can base our actions and work on a shared love for family members and society at large, we can find effective meaning in life.
  • ‘The Art of Living’ involves managing the self for others.

Being socially connected

• Positive and continuous communication is the key to end the misery of anxiety, depression and stress to achieve higher levels of well-being.
• Being socially connected was an antidote to the mental estrangement and it was widely believed by Rabindranath Tagore.
• A design of togetherness was required for immunity from psychological suffering which Tagore insisted was ingrained in the famous Rig Vedic dicta.

       Case study

• • Tagore was aware that plague, a wildly contagious disease, was likely to cause panic among the students in 1918.
  • He organised many events in the Ashram which ensured that social connections existed despite physical distance.
  • In an essay, he suggested that we generate friendliness between the affected and those who were not, because the ill were not the enemy; the illness was.

Way forward:

• People under any form of stress, or tend to feel depressed should reach out and talk to people, whether friends or relatives.
• A depressed person may not want to connect initially. Therefore it is necessary for the family, relatives and friends to watch out for signs in their near and dear ones of persistent sadness, aloofness, loss of interest in activities and appetite, negative thoughts including self-harm, and provide immediate support and connect.
• Support from family and friends can help to tide over the difficult times with love and care.

Conclusion:

• The spirit of harmony between individual and society glued by communication is the best way stress, anxiety and depression can be overcome.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/how-to-battle-depression/article31908763.ece