PIB webinar focuses on stress management among youth during COVID

Experts from the medical fraternity, the government sector along with academicians deliberated about the potential ways to tackle the COVID situation from both medical and policy perspectives. The interactive webinar witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, academicians and medical fraternity of Assam and other places. They said that this information-cum-knowledge webinar would help them in informed decision-making and also about the precautions to address the COVID situation.

Padma Shri Naresh Chander Lal said that leading a disciplined life is the best way to tackle the issues related to COVID. He further said that healthy diet and hygiene are important aspects when it comes to preventing and protection from Covid issues. Lal emphasised on child healthcare and stress management as well. He said that children should be encouraged to do activities and hobbies they enjoy, so that depression, stress and loneliness could be tackled.

Prof. Dr KRS Sambasiva Rao, Vice Chancellor, Mizoram University (a Central varsity), Aizawl said that healthy and constructive behaviour of students — particularly children's emotional health — are vital aspecdts for cognitive development. Pointiung out that technology is changing the perception of learning, Lal saiod that it has to leveraged for the development of children.

Dr Rao further said that education is development of latent talent of students and in that endeavour, attitude change is essential to tackle the issues related to COVID-19 issues and consequent stress among the youth fraternity. He also said that emotions and stress are likely to affect children with cognitive disabilities also. Pointing out that though each child or adult would not react in the same way to the stress of COVID-19, yet it is likely that everyone would respond in some way; and the parents will have to enusre that their children do not digress from the normal daily routine and thus help them lead a constructive life.

Mentioning about nutrition, Dr Lopamudra Datta, Principal, Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, said that Stress Management is also about proper diet and healthy food. She said that Yoga and citreous fruits with Vitamin C with healthy diet is essential for growing children. Dr. Datta further said that children should be encouraged to talk to their friends and parents so that anxiety and stress is reduced. Dr. Datta said, "Quality family time and proper motivation for children can play vital roles when it comes to stress management.

Prof. Arjun Das, Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication, Nagaland University, Lumami and Abdul Rahman Mallick, Advocate, Delhi High Court also said that stress among youth could be tackled with patient listening, when the parents would be able to help their children express their problems to their seniors.

Prof. Anumita Mallick, Faculty, Department of Nutrition, Belda College, Paschim Medinipur, said that most of the issues of youth are psychological; and these arise because of the lack of communication. Prof. Mallick further said that stress is leading the youth, especially children to become anxious, and emotionally demotivated. As a result, many among them fear to talk to others, which affects their development and eventually their personality.

Noted archer and Arjuna awardee Chekrovolu Swuro from Kohima (Nagaland) said that courage and disciplined life could go a long way in tackling most of the issues related to COVID. She urged the youth to utilize their spare time in activities they enjoy doing. She further said that social distancing, frequewnt hand washing with soap and wearing of protective gear like the face masks are essential to tackle the spread of COVID.

The webinar was managed and coordinated by Samrat Bandyopadhyay, Joint Director (M & C), PIB, Guwahati. PIB Deputy Director Pallav Chakravorty welcomed the gathering. Along with students, and journalists, senior government officials from Doordarshan (DD) Guwahati, the Regional Outreach Bureau, Guwahati, and the All India Radio (AIR) Guwahati were also present on the occasion stated a release.

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