Parno, who has been very vocal about mental health issues, pressed for the need to actively address the issue to help remove the stigma surrounding mental health-related illness. She said, "I have friends who are well-placed and educated, yet they trivialise the issue of mental illness, and that needs to change."

In Delhi, activist Tehseen Poonawalla who is now working towards helping people with Covid emergencies said he could not get to sleep since the beginning of the second wave. He said, "My phone keeps ringing because people are calling up at any time for help because of the shortage of hospital beds and medical oxygen. But, I won't say I have been very worked up since I make it a point to meditate and do my workout to keep my focus intact."

One could argue that we are better prepared now than the first wave which hit India in 2020, but the question remains are people happy to live this way? Are they barely moving from one day to another desperately hoping for the virus to fade away?

The resurgence of Covid with new mutants - touted to be riskier and infectious, coupled with uncertainty over treatment have caused severe fear and fatigue among many.

WHAT ARE EXPERTS SAYING?

Dr. Anju Ghei, Head Preventive Health, with VLCC Healthcare Ltd said it is important to understand why so many people are feeling fatigued in this situation and explained how the change of lifestyle has a central role to play. She also spoke about post-Covid fatigue which is becoming a hurdle even after on defeated the virus.

She said, "While fatigue can be caused by dietary (vitamin and mineral) deficiency, lack of sleep, being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, stress, depression, diseases like diabetes, and medication, the fatigue caused by a Covid-19 infection is the result of a whole new family of causes. These range from anxiety, fear, disturbed sleep, irregular eating, muscle weakness and loss due to prolonged inactivity at one end, to inflammation as part of the body’s natural defensive response to the virus."

"Staying physically active to the extent feasible ensures reversal or slowing down muscle weakening and is the most reliable remedy for physical fatigue. However, exerting beyond comfortable levels can be counterproductive especially when the body has not fully recovered and so needs to be graded. Stretches are very useful to stay flexible. Maintaining a healthy, nourishing alkaline diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, whole grains, nuts pre-biotic and pro-biotic components, and remaining well hydrated is essential. Any deficiency in Vitamins D3, B12 and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium must be countered with supplements," she said.

Senior psychologist with Madhukar Rainbow hospital Shabiullah Syyed said more children and teenagers are being affected by the restrictions imposed because of the lockdown. He said, "Children and adolescents lack the maturity to handle the curbs on their social life hence they are easily becoming depressed.

He also said the curbs are having a severe impact on social relationships. "I have encountered so many broken relationships because the couples could not bear the anxiety and the lack of meeting in person."

He said the job losses and uncertainty of the future are a major reason behind the increasing mental health issues in the country. He said, "We all want to plan our future in advance, but in this scenario, not a single thing can be planned - be it something personal or professional. This uncertainty is leading to anxiety, fear, and fatigue in people. 

WHAT'S TO BE DONE?

Communication is key, Dr. Syeed said. "We are already in isolation. But, we should not shut ourselves completely. We have to be in touch with our families, share our thoughts with those that we are close to. At this moment, we have to understand that virtual communication is a must to ward off negative thoughts. Not talking to anyone could make one slip into depression. Also, it's always good to seek professional help."

FIGHTING POST-COVID FATIGUE

Actress Parno Mitra also spoke about how she felt after testing negative for Covid. “I am feeling a shortness of breath, I had to stop to catch my breath after climbing a few stairs and that's when I realised that even after Covid, some impacts remain," she said. 

VLCC's Anju Ghei said Covid-19 damages lung tissue which takes a long time to recover; this is helped by breathing exercises like box-breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, pranayam, and spirometer or balloon exercises. If a medical assessment indicates the need, special exercises like segmental breathing, postural drainage, and neuro-physiological facilitation for respiration under supervision may be required.

"Conscious relaxation, regular sleep, avoidance of smoking and alcohol, staying mentally occupied and positive, avoiding negative news and interactions, spending time in good company, especially children, and on hobbies, all alleviate the effects of fatigue," she said.

“Post-Covid symptoms should not remain unattended as they impact day-to-day living and may lead to chronic ailments. Given the extreme stress on our medical system, these symptoms are not getting attended to. An early systematic assessment and screening can provide guidance and the need for any specialist interventions when required. Safety comes first,” Ghei said.

As India battles the massive resurgence of the virus, mental health is another silent pandemic that a large part of the population is fighting. The frontline workers who are working under extreme stress are overworked and exhausted. Reports of suicides among doctors are a striking reminder of the underlying mental health issues among the group and should be acknowledged and treated before it spirals out of control.