Mental health professionals in Pakistan have adopted digital counseling amid the Covid-19 pandemic that has made access to face-to-face psychotherapy difficult as millions remain confined at homes.
Digital counseling can help out people in getting rid of isolation mental problems. Experts fear that social isolation, a lack of routine and sudden changes in plans can be ideal breeding grounds for anxiety and depression, and tough measures taken to restrict movements and social gatherings can limit access to help.
Online counseling is coming as a savior for millions during the lockdown. The hospitals and medical centers should be avoided as they are most contagious in this dire situation which makes therapy from home far safer says, psychologist.
People are deprived of face-to-face counseling and therapy and being in isolation is going to make the situation even worse for those vulnerable to mental illnesses. Many are going to have symptoms like stress and anxiety.
Calling online counseling the need of the hour, Pervaiz says it is a more practical and realistic approach to lending a helping hand when the person needs it the most.
If a person is having a panic attack or feels depressed, he/she needs help right away, not tomorrow or a week later, noting that visits to therapists require appointments in advance which could mean help may not be provided at the required time.
Meanwhile, ReliveNow, a mental health advocacy group, has launched free, 15-minute counseling sessions to help individuals deal with psychological problems and traumas in times of a global pandemic.