The Diasporic Disconnect Amidst Urban Setting in Students

 The New Normal  

The Coronavirus pandemic has brought about dramatic changes in all of our lives. The pandemic has changed how we live, work, comprehend and communicate. In less than a year the virus has compelled us to adapt to the new lifestyle it has built for us. The virus has led to a drastic destruction of mankind, economic recession, extreme poverty, scarcity of resources and unemployment. The rise in unemployment was caused due to the rapid spread of the virus worldwide. The coronavirus exposed the world’s fragile food supply chain and could endanger millions of people’s lives. Some people who had the access to food couldn’t afford it due to unemployment or how hard poverty had struck them. 

The future being so uncertain has created stress and fear among people. The significant changes to our daily lives because of the pandemic have a huge impact on our mental health. Social distance limits our freedom of movement which has forced us to adapt to the new normal of working from home, home- schooling for children, absence of physical contact with family and friends, wearing a mask at all times and the new normal travel restrictions. All these factors take a mental toll on an individual. Loss of loved ones, loss of wages, social isolation and anxiety triggers an individual’s mental health leading to psychological and neurological complications. Many people may be dependent on alcohol and drug use to escape the pressure that they are facing due to the pandemic. People with foregoing mental or neurological illnesses are prone to suffer from the coronavirus infection. The ongoing pandemic has increased the rates of insomnia, eating disorders and the worsening of chronic conditions among the population. Young adults have faced the repercussions of the pandemic such as lack of opportunities and closure of universities which contribute to poor mental health. Economic recession is associated with anxiety, depression, low self- esteem and has led to higher rates of substance use. Social isolation and loneliness have affected the young adults due to social distancing. House help, grocery store employees and package delivery personnel with no source of income have suicidal tendencies due to major financial crisis. With all the household responsibilities and coping up with the education of children, women are more likely to have serious mental illness, anxiety/ depression. 

The pandemic has not only created tension among people, but also united people. ‘ Thali Thali ’, ‘ Diya Jalao ’ and ‘ Go Corona Go ’ was an  approach of Indians towards coronavirus and their enduring faith. The Prime Minister called for people to stand in their balconies to hit their  utensils and burn diyas as a way to encourage the frontline workers and bring about unity amongst the citizens of this nation. The men in the house have been a helping hand in the household chores for women. The families have come together by watching shows together and having dinner together. The interaction and bonding between the families has increased. 

A world dependent on social media platforms found a way to detach by engrossing themselves into fun board games with their neighborhood. Reading books was rediscovered as a hobby as social media had become very overwhelming. People devoted themselves to living a healthier lifestyle and focusing on their fitness by joining online dance class, Zumba and yoga class. Young adults enjoyed playing online Whatsapp games, Netflix parties and reconnecting with friends on ‘Houseparty’. Awareness about mental health was spread all over social media which made us realize a lot about how important it was just to ask “How are you doing?” to your loved ones. Interactive sites like “Omegle” helped us communicate with different people all over the world to know their experiences and stories throughout the pandemic. “Ramayan” and “Mahabharat” was a pastime for old adults. Fluid art, cooking, baking and vlogging were certain interests that people discovered after spending time with oneself during the pandemic. During this pandemic period, the environment took the time to heal itself. 

The past 1 year has been challenging for mankind with regards to lifestyle, mental health, economic crisis and scarcity of resources but the undying faith in every individual has helped us overcome this pandemic. Life is getting back to normal. The zealous work has begun again. The pandemic has made me realize how important it is to keep going in life no matter how difficult life gets. I’m sure everyone has an important lesson to take forward with them from this pandemic. 

About The Author

Jhil Karia, Member of the PsyCreative Column

Psychology Committee, SDSOS, NMIMS

Jhil Karia is a student of B.Sc. in Applied Psychology at NMIMS University. She’s a dancer who has just discovered her interest in writing. She has learnt classical dance (Kathak) for 7 years. She represented her school for many competitions and has won several certificates. She has learnt Skating, Gymnastics, Abacus, Vedic Math and Basketball while growing up. She has represented her school for the above as well. She is an English Language tutor for younger children. She enjoys traveling and shooting small vlogging clips for fun. 

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