COVID_19 and elderly mental health

By S Adeeb Mujtaba Ali

The World Health Organization announced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) viral infection as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. India is a nation with a large population of over 1.3 billion population, on January 30, 2020, India, announced its (covid-19) first occurrence. The Government of India has decided to impose a countrywide lockdown beginning March 25, 2020, for a period of three weeks until April 14, 2020, social connections and mobility were restricted. In this sense, older adults faced difficulties such as a lack of attendants to assist them with everyday activities, difficulty in obtaining medical assistance, and fear of an adverse path in current morbidity.

Many who are elderly and live in a typical joint family arrangement were able to enlist the help of other family members to cope with new challenges. Since four to five people live under one roof in a typical Indian family. In certain households, one or more individuals over the age of 60 are found, one under the age of 18, and two others in the middle age groups. Three generations are mostly seen living together, with 75% of them sharing the same house. This setup increases the risk of infection through aerosols. It was also reported that neighbors were accomodating the younger adults to quarantine in their premises to protect and save the elderly from infection.

However, the percentage of older people who live alone is steadily rising because their children moved to another city or country to earn a livelihood or to have better standards of living. This senior citizens rely on contracted housekeepers and primary care doctors in their communities for their everyday needs.

According to media reports, the number of individuals seeking support for mental health problems rose by 20% during the first week of the three-week lockdown.

Many Indians are stigmatized by mental disorders, and many tend to pursue treatment by herbal medicine. Multiple national and international actors have participated in mental health advocacy programs, openly announcing their mental illnesses and the benefits of psychotropic drugs, resulting in increased social recognition of mental health services in India.

 The latest COVID-19 virus pandemic has resulted in a surge in demand for psychiatric assistance. There are approximately 8000 mental health practitioners in India, the majority of whom work in cities. Mental health professionals are not readily available to aging people. They are prone to feelings of isolation and powerlessness. And if they survive the pandemic, they worry that the social order will be disrupted. 

In this scenario, the measures taken up by the governments and non-government bodies are commendable like moderating the news, crime cases, arrangement of virtual communication platforms for the elderly on zoom and Whatsapp calls, counseling helplines created by a cohort of mental health professionals, etc. 

Such online measures,  prove to be fruitful, especially for the aged, those with mobility problems, anxiety, and depression, those who lack access to healthcare, and those who live in rural areas. When harnessed, internet access for older adults will assist in the formation of online community groups, video therapy, and the development of medical and rehabilitation resources. The COVID-19 pandemic may thus turn out to be a blessing in disguise, hastening the deterioration of healthcare resources and access for India's population, especially the elderly.

Reference:

• Vahia, V. N., & Shah, A. B. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic and mental health care of older adults in India. International psychogeriatrics, 32(10), 1125–1127. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610220001441

COVID_19 and child anxiety

By, S Adeeb Mujtaba Ali

In the present article I would like to cover a topic which holds high significance. It is Covid_19 and children. Ever since  2020 commenced, children were exposed to many global issues, and no physical access to school was a huge addition to build up anxiety. Counselors have been doing their very best to help families and children steer through this distasteful situation in their best capacity.

A dive into strategies employed by Counselors to help children:

Fair, open and clear communication

Children by nature are curious about the happenings around them. They absorb from their surroundings and try to act accordingly. Plus they also need some one around with whom they can continue to share and exchange information. By keeping a window open for exchange of information with Children and explain them things clearly along with understanding the situation is always helpful. 

It is better to explain a child about existence of virus in the environment, that can cause infection through teaching learning aids, making them understand the sensitivity of the situation, importance of social distancing by self practicing, is the best model. Than compared to shutting them and enforcing  to do something without explanation is harsh and unwarranted. In this closed communication model child might not learn the actuals of COVID_19. Therefore have a clear communication it will help.

Worry Train your child: 

Yes, train your child to not to worry. A person (a child) see a worry as a dragon, so better teach your child to how to tame the dragon? An approach suggested by Jane Garland and Sandra Clark in their book -Taming Worry Dragons: A Manual for Children, Parents and Other Coaches.

Some of the skills suggested by senior child Counselors are:

Schedule, get involved in some creative activities and have a me time/ family time routine.

1) Schedule:

Teach your child to have a 'worry time' to think of all the negative possibilities. After this worry time, they are not suppose to worry rest of the time. 

This is a proven formula and suggested by experienced children counselors. One of the way the worry dragon can be tamed.

2) Involve in creative activities

Make them draw, write, play with colors, or make illustration of their worry dragons. This is again a very constructive activity to help your child open up and express themselves in a better way.

3) A routine

 Have a routine, family time, me time where child can feel and sense harmony. To feel protected and secure. A very warm and comfortable approach against the worry dragon. 

These are some of the strategies which helps in combating worries and anxiety in children.

It helps them to stay calm and composed, informed and grounded when they loose a loved one due to COVID_19.

Excerpt credits

Celine Cluff is a registered clinical counselor practicing in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. She holds a master’s degree in psychoanalytic studies from Middlesex University in London and is currently completing her doctorate in occupational psychology. Her private practice focuses on family therapy, couples therapy and parenting challenges. Contact her at celine.cluff@yahoo.com.

Victoria Kress is a professor at Youngstown State University in Ohio. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor, national certified counselor and certified clinical mental health counselor. She has published extensively on many topics related to counselor practice. Contact her at victoriaEkress@gmail.com.

COVID_19 and higher education since 2020

 By S Adeeb Mujtaba Ali

COVID_19  pandemic has not only successfully devasted economies throughout the globe but also disturbed the smooth-flowing education system in both developing and developed countries. It is plightful to know that around 1.5 billion primary, secondary and tertiary school-going students do not have physical access to schools. COVID_19 impact however was not only dramatic but also transformative. Transformative in the sense it has made educators/tutors come up with strategies to let not pandemics affect the teaching-learning process. But in the emerging market, it has given an additional challenge like finances and infrastructure. 

Key points to be noted:

•  Due to pandemic university courses are made online.
• A new teaching-learning model can be expected in near future.

Among the different levels of education facing their own challenges, it's higher education that has to revolutionize. Even though the students here are old enough to explore technology and navigate platforms but are the Universities following the traditional campus education system, ready to makeshift, in order to approach and engage students, in terms of technology familiar manpower and infrastructure? 

At present platforms like Zoom, Google meet, WebEx, etc are serving as major support and a major lifeline to universities, however, it was noticed that the educators- lecturers or professors are still struggling with the technology. They are still trying to get themselves familiarised with these platforms to host online classes or other virtual activities. Not only this, but the struggle is also in maintaining a classroom setting environment and rapport with learners. The experts advise them to find a solution because now this is new normal and in order to maintain quality of education without compromising they should buckle up. Apparently, the most constructive solution to deal with such an issue is to either make digital platforms like Coursera work for them or work with them.

 According to HolonIQ (a market intelligence firm), higher education comprises only 2% of the $2.2 trillion global higher education marketplace (ripening for disruption). 

Even before the onset of COVID_19, it's been observed that students were more inclined towards online courses offered by the universities in comparison with their traditional courses. Universities that started taking online courses as a threat are now trying to acquaint themselves with the online teaching and learning process. Since COVID_19 has introduced Edtech as new normal. 

The online solutions since 2020 were adopted unprecedentedly by educators across the globe which are however considered as an experiment at an infancy stage. It is expected to flourish in the coming days and the association between tech companies and universities will grow strong beyond the pandemic crisis.

The present situation, no doubt has been painful but it has also helped all the stakeholders (society, policymakers, educators, and learners) to understand and realize the shortcomings of our education system not only in developing countries but also in developed countries. 

In conclusion, like the first industrial revolution, which was responsible for  present education system, the emergence of digitalized education model is expected from COVID_19.

Excerpt on COVID_19

 By S Adeeb Mujtaba Ali

The havoc created by pandemic is leaving everyone around with anxiety, stress and overwhelming experience due to social distancing and isolation from peers. But one shouldn't forget that these are necessary precautions/requirements to be observed in order to prevent the spread of virus.

One should learn to deal and cope up with stress and anxiety, panic and depression during this period. As by doing so, it will not only help you to recover faster but also help the care takers around you become more resilient.

Quick look into affects of stress:

Experiences like fear, worries, frustration, sleeplessness, change in appetite, desires, interest, feeling of numbness, short temper, sadness, insecure feeling, irritation to small stimuli, losses concentration and reasoning ability.

The patients are also reported to exhibit physical reactions like skin rashes, digestive problems, body pains, headaches. Worsened chronic health and mental health problems.

In addition, it was also noticed that people increased the consumption of alcohol, tobacco etc.

However, it's natural process which cannot be disturbed. Only with time and patience, precautions and medication we can have victory over COVID-19

Let's see some of the healthy ways to deal with stress:

1) First and foremost limit the use of social media. Ofcourse when at home with no socialization it's but obviously that we tend to engage ourselves with social media. But Dear all stop the excessive use of technology.

2) Take good care of yourself. Groom yourself, take care of your body, meditate, excercise, eat balanced food, keep yourself hydrated, take plenty of sleep. Limit or avoid smoking, tobacco and alcohol consumption.

3) Continue your routine medication, get vaccinated (it boosts your immunity) and other screenings as prescribed by family doctor/ physician according to your health condition.

4) Try to reconnect with long lost activities, a hobby, do something which makes you feel happy and merry around.

5) In this time of social distancing stay connected with near and dears through calls, video chat, attend virtual events (Workshop, conference, gathering etc)

6) Help those in need- financial support, physical support etc.

 In conclusion, keep high hopes. We shall overcome. Stay positive and spread positivity.  Stay home, stay safe, stay connected.

COVID-19 is new normal. A culture which has made us realise and embrace many things (positive and negative) which I guess we would not have had experienced in its absence.

Google doodles from last year #covid_19

Google doodles from 2020 same month. 

Love Respect and Prayers for all frontliners. We owe you 🙏

Edtech (Listing 10 best Edtech's)

By S Adeeb Mujtaba Ali

 According to Top Hat, Educational technology is a term that represents a wide assemblage of hardware and software for teaching and learning to be used in college and university. It is also called Ed Tech, for enabling an environment for improved learning, to ultimately boost students' outcomes engagement, participation, and access to cutting-edge technology.

Ed Tech on a broader scale refers to the use of technology that helps in facilitating collaboration in an active learning environment. Ed Tech usage provide the educators digitalized tools that have automized the teaching-learning process. On one side where we see this as a great inventory another side, it's not. of course in the fast pace, world technology has helped us in finishing any task in less time in an organized way with the least errors. A major drawback however remains is Ed Tech has disturbed the original teaching-learning process. 

In spite of the cons, edtech market is blooming with several innovations. It has become very easy to set up an edtech startup. There are many government fundings for promising startups. This fusion of technology with education is headed towards a promising future. This jamming not only made the teaching-learning process fun but also prepared students to voice their opinion.

Presently, the market requirements for edtech are in high demand. Various edtech startups are emerging with innovative and personalized products and CRM (client relationship management) services resonating with their clients' demands.

Some of the celebrated Edtech which are leading the show are:

1. Blackboard:

 Since 1997

Based in Washington

Mission to disrupt online education

Valuation $70 Million

2. Byju’s

Since 2011 first name :Think and Learn Pvt Ltd

 Based in Bengaluru, India

Mission or Aims to provide students with best technology based Education main focus on Maths and Science.

Valuation $5.4 billion as of 2019

3. Teachers Pay Teachers

Since 2006

Based in New York City

Aim at connecting teachers with other teachers for sharing, buying and selling study material.

Valuation not known

4. Dreambox Learning

Since 2006

Based in Seattle

Subject focus Mathematics

Student-focused, intuitive, and calibrated program.

Valuation not known

5. Coursera

Since 2012

Based in Mountain View, California

E-learning platform connecting 150 universities. Offering many free and paid certificate courses

Valuation $313 Million.

6. Instructure

Since 2008

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah

Mission Connecting more than 3000 universities, combining LMS and MOOC for imparting education

Valuation not known

7. Knewton

Since 2008

Based in New York City

Focus on adaptive learning

Valuation $182.3 Million

8. Chegg

Since 2005

Based in Santa Clara, Cliff

Aim online tutoring, homework, and e-learning. In addition, students can buy, sell or rent books.

Valuation not known

9. DONORSCHOOSE

Since 2000

Based in New York City

Aim a non profit organisation, works on external funding by connecting students and funders. Focus practical learning through projects

10. Simplilearn

Since 2010

Based in Bengaluru

Mission providing certificate professional courses to open job oppurtunities

Valuation  $31 million in funding

Conclusion:

Irrespective of geographical location, it feels good to know people have been doing everything best in their capacity to make education easy for all.

Educational Counseling in US

 

By S Adeeb Mujtaba Ali

An important part of educational institutions in US is Educational or school counseling . It is considered as a gateway to resolve salient negative situations between students, parents and school faculty to direct it to positive outlook. Some of the fundamentals of Educational counseling are 

Basics of Educational (School) counseling:

A place where a child learns important lessons while growing is a School. It is here (elementary school) that they make most cherished memories and bad (first) experiences of life. They learn the skills like cooperation, interaction and socialization academic resolves etc. While in high school the above learn ed attributes evolve and finally stepping in college they experience many challenges. 

During each step of growth students are given access to professional counseling sessions that are arranged within every American schools. 

The students counselors proactively works from a central location and provides counseling assistance to all the students at different levels in the school. They try to address and resolve issues which students encounter during their (every step) growth phase.

This facility is mainly arranged by school authorities to develop a healthy environment in the school and produce good, independent, mentally strong and confident individuals. The counselors help students in meeting life challenges and emerge and have positive outlook for life. 

 Elements of educational counseling:

Hand's on sessions, maintenance of students case records, administrative activities etc. Among all this hand's on activity is pivotal. Where in counselors conduct face to face sessions, one to one talks, virtual meetings, telephonic conversation. In short discussion through different forms of media. 

Sometimes educational counselor's interventional services are also required based on the students and issues. Therefore educational counselors are expected to have an eagle view and broad vision to address all. For example, issues like personal growth concerns (puberty related), bullying, abuse, aggression, neglect, day to day trivial issues etc.

According to market survey and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), educational counselors has a growth rate of 8%, with moderate per annum pay scale of $54,560. To get into this field an individual requires master's degree and certification to practice as a counselor.