17.01.2021

Panelists:

1.Deepa Mohan, Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Head, Dept. Applied Psychology, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam.

2.Pragya Khanna, Principal, Government Degree College, Chenani, Udhampur.

3.Arvinder J. Singh, Director, Ashoka Center for Well Being, Ashoka University, Sonepat.

4.Ashis Roy, Psychoanalytic Therapist, Ambedkar University, Delhi

5.Geetanjali Kumar Counselling Psychologist and Visiting Counselor at at NIFT and NSUT, Delhi.

6.D Bhagabati, Professor and Former Head, Dept. Psychiatry, Gauhati Medical College Hospital, Guwahati.

Chair: Ram Ramaswamy, IIT-D

Moderator: V Madhurima, CUTN

Major points shared:

1. Learning and teaching are community activities. Teachers also benefit from peer-learning

2. Zoom-fatigue (or screen fatigue) is real and difficult to negotiate.

3. Very often physical and mental health are treated as separate issues, while in reality, they are interconnected.

4. Some of the commonly observed health issues (based on a survey) are eyestrain, headaches, body aches, phobias and paranoia, palpitations, digestive problems, frustration, restlessness, difficulty in concentration, sense of disconnect with society, fear of stepping out.

5. Online learning has meant a loss of privacy of mobile phone numbers. This has seen some rather unexpected ill-effects such as exchange of angry or unwanted messages, cyber-stalking, intimidation, impersonation, exclusion of some people from study groups etc.

6. A drop in personal hygine in some cases has been seen, due to the students being confined to the homes. Such confinement has a serious effect if the family atmosphere is hostile.

7. It is really important to de-stigmatize seeking help for mental health.

8. It is crucial for teachers and students to stay connected. This can be achieved through the creation of a circle of care - a group of people such as the student, a teacher, a parent and so on, who will collectively be involved in the progress of the student.

9. Self-care is not being selfish!

10. Simple excersices such as mindful breathing, yoga etc., can be hepful in handling stress.

11. All of us can be good listeners! Listen to others - you may help them cope with stress.

12. Often an intervention with parents by the teachers may be required to make them understand the needs of the student.