A write up on Women’s mental health

In these times of Lockdown & Corona crisis ..we as women are overburdened with physical and emotional work. So here are a few take home points from my expertise as Clinical Psychologist

1. Distribute the work load. Make children and other members of the family bid their bit which can be as small as closing their books after studying.

2. Don’t nag or criticise about the quality of work if done by others. Even small help is appreciated. Household chores are life skills.

3. Don’t let ur daughters do all the job. Boys can too wash utensils,mop and broom. Let’s copy the west in this. Their men work equally.

4. Invest in exercise and routine. A little difficult but not impossible. Schedules give sanity. Don’t allow the children to stay up beyond 12.00 and sleep beyond 9 or 10 at max. It’s overstretched but can’t help it.

5. Although we don’t prefer food rewards but we have limited resources so use your mental and culinary skills to make children study, work or whatever.

6. Make sure u rest. Ur family has to understand that ur not a machine

7. Make a list of things that u were not able to do due to paucity of time.. and then do them.. like reading.. gardening… exercise ..

8. Use technology to stay connected with family and friends

9. Don’t read or see news which makes u anxious. Change ur perceptions. See difficult times as an opportunity and challenge.

And remember… This too shall pass.

Dr. Shazia Veqar Siddiqui
Clinical Psychologist