Ways of eating idlis

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 During my trip down South, I had the opportunity to watch common people enjoy traditional southern foods. Idlis are one such popular food items that can be consumed anytime of the day. They can be had during breakfast, lunch, or dinner or anytime in between.  Idlis are traditionally South Indian delicacies. They are rice and lentil cakes that are steamed. They are usually salty but in Mauritius, you will find sweet varities as well in small shops and restaurants there.  Idlis are healthy food items and are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. They have minerals and vitamins and have the goodness of fermented foods too. They are served with sambhar (curry made of dal) and chutney (coconut, tomato or the like). Some also savour them with yoghurt, ghee (clarified butter) or spice mix (podi).  Idli pizza A modern twist to idli dish has been as idli masala (idlis usually small-sized covered with spices), idli fry (idlis usually small-sized that are...
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Emotional and mental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic!

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 The coronavirus that originated from Wuhan in China and spread rapidly worldwide has far-reaching implications on humans. The whole world and now especially the USA and Europe are facing the brunt of the pandemic. Some of the effects of the virus such as on the physical being such as illness and death are evident. But there is a silent epidemic of emotional problems ongoing that is still not completely in manifestation but may explode soon. 

The emotional impact of COVID-19 pandemic

There has been a lot of mental and emotional problems due to the coronavirus pandemic. The young, children, teens, and elderly are particularly affected by it. Loneliness has crept into the lives of people due to the social distancing imposed to curb the virus. Anxiety, apprehension, panic attacks, depression has increased. The mental and emotional presentation is still the tip of the iceberg but a lot of it is still silent and ready to explode in the near future. 

Mental health issues COVID-19 [Source: Clinic One]



The Global Economy and Development has put forth its analyses of the situation. It states that the poor and the vulnerable have suffered the most due to the pandemic. The rich are affected but to a minor degree. This has led to a widening of the rift between the rich and the poor. 

Mental health issues in the USA pre- and post-COVID-19

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the stock markets in the USA were prospering and unemployment was less. Suicides and opioid consumption deaths were around 1 million in one decade. This was more in white who were not college-educated and in middle age. And now post-COVID-19, this problem has heightened and also the rich and poor gap has widened. Now the poor have complaints of sadness, worry, anger, and loneliness which is all more than that in the rich people. 

Loneliness due to COVID-19 social distancing [Source: The Lancet]

Moreover, all the income groups reported more feelings of despair and hopelessness after the pandemic. Rural people have suffered more economically and are facing more uncertainties in life than those in urban areas. 

The National EMS Information system or NEMSIS revealed that for the period from March-July 2020, the number of calls for drug overdoses, refusal to get admitted for drug overdoses, deaths due to it, need for naloxone for it, and for mental and behavioral issues are more compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. The rise has been nearly 2.5 times more. EMS calls for accidents including traffic was down due to decreased mobility. Calls for breathing difficulties and cardiac issues increased. 

The scenario in the UK and other countries

In the UK, Asians, Muslims and other minority groups faced more anxiety than the rich class. The poor had more negative emotions and this led them to less comply with government guidelines. In India, an improperly imposed lockdown caused miseries to the poor. Suicide rates in villages increased. More people entered the below poverty level. Farmers and laborers suffered the most. India already had a low level of mental well-being and had high-level of vulnerability.

Read here Face masks and the benefits to the wearer! 
 

Depression with COVID-19 isolation [Source: IE]


And COVID-19 has worsened this. In Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, a rise in mental issues was seen but to a lesser degree. The positive points are that humans are resilient and can face a lot of struggles of life boldly. The poor in the USA has demonstrated more optimism for a post-COVID life and well-being. With this experience, governments should implement preventive measures to face similar eventualities in latter life in a better way. 



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