Mentally Thriving During COVID-19

By Arti Shah, OD FAAO

Covid-19 has taken a toll on everyone and some more than others, whether male or female, young or old, black, white, and everyone in between, across all religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, gay or straight, strong or frail. All of us were forced to adjust to our new circumstances rapidly. Along with this pandemic came a mental health crisis from stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. As a frontline worker, I, too, experienced a spectrum of emotions.

The first week back to work, I felt unsafe and out of my bubble. Working about one foot from my patients during parts of their examinations, I found myself deeply concerned and anxious. However, after a few short weeks, I understood my purpose and quickly adjusted to the new normal. I found much comfort in knowing how significant my work was and how much of a difference I made in my patients' lives.  

I passed my days surrounded by supportive and friendly masked faces. Many of my patients came to their appointments concerned they had contracted Covid-19 through their eyes. My colleagues and I provided the best care for our patients with the common goal of keeping everyone out of our crowded emergency rooms and urgent care facilities for ocular issues. 

To keep my elderly parents, in-laws, and newborn niece safe, at first, my husband and I resorted to communicating using video calls. We checked in with them regularly to make sure they were physically and mentally healthy. Knowing their very active social life had just been derailed like many of us, we were more worried about our parents' mental well-being. Although they missed us terribly, their work and hobbies kept them engaged and occupied.  

During my mental health check-ins with my parents, I never used the word "depression." Unfortunately, the word depression is still stigmatized in the Indian culture, and I sensed it would not resonate with our parents. Instead, we would ask them if they were bored or sad. As time passed, we found ways to socially distance ourselves in our backyards. 

As for our newborn niece, we have only seen her on video calls and through a sliding glass door. We look forward to the day we can hold and play with her. 

Covid-19 has been isolating for many of us. Thankfully, I have a very loving husband and a supportive outlet professionally. Once in a while, I have socially distant gatherings with friends and family, and zoom calls keep me sane and reduce stress after a long work week. 

After eleven months, I am still concerned I might contract Covid-19 and infect my husband, who is still working remotely. I continue to remove my shoes in the garage and immediately jump in the shower to "disinfect." I felt joyful pre-Covid-19 coming home to a warm hug after a long day at work. Now, my husband greets me with a big sweet smile and an air hug until I have showered.

Throughout this journey, I have learned more about myself and my relationships with others. These challenging times allowed me to recognize how much more I focused on my physical health over my mental well-being. Caring for my parents provided another purpose in my life. At times, I was the only person they interacted with within a month or several months. Helping them see a clearer and brighter future in these circumstances brought me much happiness. 

I developed an appreciation for the quality of my relationships over quantity. Now, I focus on important things - quality time with family and friends, healthy cooking, reading, and meditation/ mindfulness/ visualization. Knowing that Covid-19 is not going away anytime soon, I now prioritize mental health and self-care. My (almost) daily meditation practice and planning for future activities keep me hopeful. Having time to relax at home turned out to be the best thing for me. 

Covid-19 is a journey that connects us globally. Let us continue to be mindful and have mental check-ins with our loved ones. Furthermore, please continue to support frontline workers who are working day and night to keep us safe. As we slowly come out of this pandemic, I hope we will all have a greater sense of oneness and a collection of learnings from which we can reflect upon together. 

Connect with Dr. Arti Shah at: 

Elander Eye Care 

242 26th Street

Santa Monica, CA 90402 

(310) 393-0634

IG @arti_shah_od