Following the desperate need to break the chain of transmission of corona infection, the catch phrase in advocacy campaign has been, 'Physical distancing and social nearness'!
However the physical distancing is not going to come overnight as we are conditioned to be close to each other while communicating. In all meaningful communication setting, it is expected that people are near to each other. But in desperate times humans need a restrain from their usual habits.
What is the role of social nearness!
We as humans become complete beings only when w are socially alive, emotionally relational and communicate interactively. Although physical nearness is no more possible, video calls, Skype, video conferencing, WhatsApp, etc are possible to stay in visual contact with people. For us in our conversations, visual connection might be important although in ninety five percent of times we use only audio calls with which we transact all communications effectively!
However this is not a normal time. With 185 countries showing the presence of Corona infection, and the news of deaths, suffering and non-availability of ventilators and other essential equipment being flashed continuously in the TV news, we are introduced to a stressful experience unfamiliar to us thus far.
I feel uncomfortable with a language of force and intimidation that get conveyed by the authorities who enforce people to stay at home.
There are psychologists, cognitive therapists, psychiatrists and behaviour scientists alerting us to take precautions from pushing people to a precipice of post-traumatic stress disorder! I like the Kerala chief Minister's approach of great composure when he speaks. I feel that he strikes an emotional cord of nearness with people, because of which people feel cared, understood and supported. I wonder whether the Prime Minister of India too can follow a similar approach in his addresses to the nation!
The road side scenes the TV channels show of policemen discouraging people from being on the road for 'non'essential reasons' create a dichotomy of intent and action. It is the waving of their lathi that disturb me! Are they going to inflict injury to those who are already suffering! I am touched by the approach of some policemen, who show kindness beyond the call of their duty! Let me remind our officers on 'duty' that they are companions to people at this distressing time, and not just law enforcing authorities.
Let us be aware that all of us carry within us a disturbing question: What would become of me if I were to contract the infection as its mortality pattern is about three percent! This alone is a good enough reason to create anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances.
I have decided to stay active by calling, texting and mailing for my own need and to be in touch with others who too feel 'alienated' socially and emotionally!
Those of us who work, when not forced no to go to our work place, would feel that our freedom and choice are interfered with. It is a surrender we do for the common good. All of us when denied of a measure of fulfilment and the feeling of use to others, need a compensation of comfort, encouragement and affirmation to fill the void created by not going to work.
Each institution ought to plan for emotional wellness and comfort enhancing measures for its work force when forced not to come to the work place. It is an unnatural experience for those who are habituated to be at work. The care of those who are not at work is also the responsibility of every organisation at a time such as this.
Every pain when shared with those who care to hear and feel, brings a source of comfort and enhances coping skills!
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
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