People of Punjab optimistic about a fresh start post coronavirus lockdown: Study

People of Punjab are extremely optimistic about a fresh start despite the outbreak caused by the coronavirus lockdown, finds a study. In a recent survey by Mehrizm Foundation, a Gujarat-based public charitable trust, it has been stated that the majority of people are extremely optimistic about a fresh start post-lockdown.

Mehrizm Foundation is run by Indian Academicians and Educators from IIM’s, IIT’s, Psychologists, Psychometricians and Psychotherapists. Amid the coronavirus crisis, it conducted an online psychological survey dedicatedly for the people of Punjab.

The survey was conducted across the variables of age group under 18, 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 54-65, 65, and above. The study also covered the variables of occupation being into business, job, part-time job, freelancer, student, or housewife. Among the total responses from 22 districts of Punjab, 54.64 percent of them were male while 45.36 percent were female out of which 69.34 percent population responded in English while 30.66 percent in Punjabi.

AGREE	STRONGLY AGREE	DISAGREE	STRONGLY DISAGREE
44%	17%	12%	4%

 

Meanwhile, Jasbir Kaur Thadhani, Head of Psychometrics for Mehrizm Foundation, said that the current crisis is perceptible about the Physical Health emergency, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. The psychologists believe that this may lead to Mental Health crises as well, says Jasbir.

Navpreet S Sahni, Managing Trustee, Mehrizm Foundation

Navpreet S Sahni, Managing Trustee, Mehrizm Foundation, appealed to the state government to emphasize the better importance of mental health services in comparison to physical health services. "We also appeal to the state government to set up a committee of mental health experts including independent practitioners to attend the issues of emotional well-being which would be a result of the current outbreak.

Conclusion: 

Meanwhile, it has been concluded that the current situation is perceptible about Physical Health emergency, but this is just tip of the ice berg. The report stated that the Mental Health crises is taken less seriously in comparison to physical health crises and can be denied with its existence itself, despite the fact that the Section 21(1) of Mental Health Act -2017, reads as under: "Every person with Mental illness shall be treated as equal to persons with physical illness in the provision of all healthcare."

Hence, the Psychologists are bucking up for rehabilitation for prolonged loneliness, internet addiction, distrust, hyper anxiety etc. The survey helped to understand the current emotional well-being. It also stated that deliberately alternative questions had positive tone to, not only ask but to remind them about the hope inside them, it was also to ignite

the trust, that there is no harm in reaching out and sharing when needed.

Also Read | Punjab Government enhances penalties for violation of COVID-19 instructions and guidelines

Emotional Well-being Study is conducted with joint efforts from Dr Bhalchandra Joshi, Chief Patron Dr Navin Patel, Navpreet S Sahni, Managing Trustee, Prof. Jasbir Kaur Thadhani, Head Counseling and Psychometrics, Himanshu Dewangan, Chief Technical Officer, Shweta Parmar, Counseling Psychologist, Animesh Kumawat, Research Associate and Data Analyst, TISS - Mumbai, Akhilesh Gotmare, Artificial Intelligence Scientist, Salesforce – Singapore, Twisha Mistry, Creative Associate, Mehrizm.

-PTC News