Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar May 04 : Sahil Ahmad, 16, is fond of cricket and interesting in studies. For last two weeks, he has not moved out of his home. Whole day, he remains glued to television, watching latest happenings by coronavirus across the world.
Worrying over his son’s falling health and trying to bring his interest back in books, his father Ghulam Mohiddin last week tried to take out television out of his room. Losing cool, Sahil got so aggressive that he smashed tea pot and cup.
“Whole day he (Sahil) sits in his room watching news. He remains disturbed and only talks about number of deaths by coronavirus across the world,” Mohiddin, a resident of Srinagar’s Lalbazaar area said.
Like Mohiddin, there are hundreds of people in Kashmir who are worried over the falling mental health of their children. Levels of despair, unhappiness, helplessness have increased manifold.
Children according to doctors are most susceptible for anxiety and stress.
The curfews and strikes in Kashmir have created uncertainty in the children who are not able to maintain their academic calendar.Mohsin Ahmad, a class 8th student is also confined inside four walls for last three weeks.
The ongoing situation has started weakening Mohsin’s memory who feels frustrated of staying inside four walls.
“He seems so frustrated that he does not know whether it is Sunday or Monday. He awakes whole night and many a times cries. Due to fear of coronavirus we don’t allow him to step out of house. This makes him more aggressive. He fights with family over small things,” says Mohsin’s father Mohammad Sharif, a resident of Nishat.
Three days back he discussed the issue with a doctor. The doctor told him to keep his son engaged in studies, indoor games, and hold positive discussions.
“I have now brought a carrom board from one of relatives and play with my son and nephews. I also brought canvas and paint for my daughter, who studies in class 6th, so she keeps herself busy with painting. These are the activities we can do while staying inside doors. I even tell my son he should also help his mother in cooking and household chore which could ease his anxiety,” he says.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has pushed crores of people to the confinement of their houses across the world. Kashmir depicts a distinct rundown. Various surveys have revealed that over 45 percent population in Kashmir has symptoms of mental illness. (KINS)
