Media and Mental Health with respect to Pandemic

Date: 29/03/2020

*Media and Mental Health with respect to the Pandemic*

_Mindzone_

It is the era media and information technology. Information has never been more easily accessible. Whatever anyone wants to know, it is just a tap away. We have access to varied forms of media that juts out ‘facts’ by the millions every second of the day. It is without a doubt the powerful tool that drives human growth and development. At very corner of the word, the human race is looking up at media, of every kind for daily updates on Covid-19.

How much of a role does the media play? 

 Media affects our feelings, thoughts and behaviour, which invariably influences how we learn, grow and develop as an individual. most of our today’s decision making process is influenced through media.  This understanding is important to identify the changes that media can elicit within us during the pandemic. Although, the question remains whether the information that we see and hear is factual or not. 

More than the virus, the news articles and social media feeds garner attention and leads us to a state of panic and anxiety which can affect our mental health. Fear is increased exponentially when people consume the wrong information. It can even trigger health conditions, be it physical or mental that could have been avoided.

Various professionals from different fields came together to discuss the topic, “Media and mental health with regard to the pandemic” through an online forum.

Given below are some of the ways you can use media in the right way to ensure that the health of you and your family are protected.

1. It is important to ensure you seek right information from authentic sources. Some of them are given below : 

http://newsonair.com/ 

  by All India Radio that provides news and updates regularly from all over India.

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019  

- World health organization 

https://www.mygov.in/covid-19/  

 Indian website for Covid-19

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/india/ 

live Statistics for covid-19

2. it is easy to fall deep into the ocean that is media. It would be better if you can minimise the usage. Update yourself with the progress of the situation but don’t use it excessively. Allot certain time, maybe twice a day to check the news.

3. We get a lot of information from varied media platforms. Quantity over quality seems to be the mantra that is followed. But following and understanding every piece of information would be unrealistic. The information that you get may not always be the right ones. Identify credible sources and try to stick to a select few that you trust gives you the right information. Don’t be an excessive content consumer.

4. It is always better to ensure that the information that you get is authentic and reliable. Identify the source and cross-check with other credible sources to ensure that you got the right information, if you are not sure of the authenticity , break the chain, do not share the information. 

5. Use media in a more positive manner and that includes not following negative news exclusively. It will only cause you anxiety and fear. Make a choice to follow news articles that provides a larger picture and helps you to prepare and be more hopeful.

6. Learn how to prioritise the information that you get. Not all pieces of information require a similar level of attention and focus. You will only succeed in making yourself more tired and confused.  

7. News articles and social media feeds tend to make everything sound relatable. It is better if you prevent yourself from personalising and attributing everything that you hear to yourself. It will only cause you more fear. Be cautious and aware.

8. Take a break and engage yourself in activities that keep you productive and strengthens relationships. Playing games, watching movies and utilizing YouTube for constructive purposes would be helpful.

9. More than anything, constantly reflect on yourself. Information plays a vital role in how you form attitudes, perception and thinking. It can cause a change in you. However, you need to identify and control those changes. Make sure it doesn’t cause cognitive distortions.

10. It is understandable if you are feeling anxious, stressed or panicky . There is help available. Please  utilize the available resources. Be socially responsible and do not pass on any information that could have any sort of negative impact. 

#media

#mental_health

#Mindzone

#Psychology

#Covid-19

#Lockdown

PREPARED BY

Ms. Rajini

Undergraduate student of Psychology

CHRIST UNIVERSITY

BANGALORE

Ms. Dimple Melwani

M.sc (Psychology)

CMR UNIVERSITY

BANGALORE

Ms. Abirami

M.sc (Psychology)

PONDICHERRY UNIVERSITY