Lene Sovold: The strategies we adopt to deal with the situation is going to determine our resilience as human species!!!

 By S Adeeb Mujtaba Ali

In one of the article published in WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, Clinical psychologist and mental health advisor from Norway, Lene Sovold has explained in detail that the COVID_19 pandemic is functioning as an effective method for social change and giving new alternatives to many urgent global problems, depending on the coping mechanisms we have been using in response to this emergency situation. 

From his clinical practice and general observation, Lene Sovold mentioned that different people react to a situation in different ways to cope with it and has categorized them into four categories, they are 

1. Negativity due to external stimuli:  The behavioral changes (not following covid_19 guidelines), curiosity to explore negative theories, etc observed due to continuous exposure to social media or destructive external expressions.

2. Positive or proactive external expressions: A very constructive state of mind, helping people in and around their vicinity, upskilling themselves, getting involved in physical activities, etc. 

3. Negative or destructive internal expressions: A complete negative outlook, worrying around about the future, like small kids they too have worry dragons which they couldn't tame. They exhibit panic attacks, anxiety, depression, etc. 

4. Positive or proactive internal expressions: These individuals have demonstrated the real meaning of crisis management through their actions. They not only take care of themselves, and their family but also contribute to society. Best example: Pandemic frontliners. 

From his experiences through online consultations during the pandemic crisis, he concludes that 

1) Like all other sectors even healthcare will witness digitalization in the form of online consultations and engaging patients on virtual platforms in coping with mental health-related side effects pandemic is creating 

2) It is important to become more proactive and adaptive to cope up with the crisis.

3) The strategies we adopt to deal with the situation is going to determine our resilience as human species

Excerpt credits:

Lene Søvold, Clinical psychologist and mental health advisor, Norway

Counseling psycology: History

 

By S Adeeb Mujtaba Ali

Since the dawn of society, counseling has been an important part. Right from grandparents to parents advising other family members followed by providing guidance to residents by community leaders, counseling has always been an important and organic part of the human experience. During the Industrial Revolution era when people and their mobility increased by migrating to other lands, the traditional essence of counselors was lost due to separation from their families and communities. Following which there was a communication gap, people started feeling isolated and led them to approach for psychiatric help or landing to asylums. 

In present times people started opting for modern psychiatry, which is nothing but professional counseling, a current trend taking rounds to keep a check on mental health. However, the presence of inefficient mental health institutes led to, a mental hygiene movement —headed by a cohort of psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists. The importance of counseling was realized when president John F. Kennedy signed Community Mental Health Act in 1963. The act implementation finally changed the delivery of mental health services and several mental health centers across the country were established. Simultaneously, this led to the shutting down of many psychiatric hospitals since community-based services started enhancing.

To be continued......,