World Mental Health Day 2020: The lockdown has been ongong for several months, and it is difficult for everyone. Adjusting to the 'new normal', the isolation and the uncertainty have caused an increase in our anxiety and depressive episodes.

How are people with mental illnesses dealing with this time? For some, like Isha, lockdown has wornsed her anxiety and BDP diagnosis and pushed her to the edge of darkness. But for Maria, the lockdown provided an escape from her unhealthy routines and forced her to reckon with her emotions and behaviour patterns. "I had to really sit down with my emotions, and it has helpled me immensely. In lockdown, I could fous on myself without unhealthy distractions, and I was able to form healthy patterns. I exercise more often, my sleep pattern has become regularized, my online therapy helps as I was anxious to go in person before, and I have found healthy outlets like cooking."

Dr Ruksheda Syeda, a clinical psychiatrist said that different disorders and people have different reactions. For those with social anxiety, this time has been a blessing. Some people with psychiatric issues like depression and anxiety have gotten worse. "It has been different, for some economic pressures have pushed them into depression. For others, the option of online therapy has been a huge boon."

Watch FIT's podcast to find out how people are dealing in this time?

How has the media's misrepresentation of mental illness affected people with mental illness?

What do they say for being a better ally?

And how to best take care of our health during this time? Hear from 3 unique perspectives.

Guests: 
Dr Ruksheda Syeda, Clinical Psychiatrist
Isha, 20-year-old with BPD
Maria, Lawyer with BPD

Host and Producer: Devina Buckshee

Podcast Editor: Abhishek Sharma