Devina Kaur shares a few ways to help someone battling with COVID-19 while ensuring their safety

What a strange time this past year has been. Ever since we were exposed to the COVID-19 virus, we saw so many battling with livelihoods physically as well as mentally, financially, and spiritually. In such dystopian times, we need to stick together, more than ever, while staying apart. The question is — how can we extend our support and be there for someone battling the virus? Here are three ways to help someone battling with COVID-19 while ensuring your safety and adhering to all the protocols administered by the respective country.

Listen more, speak less

So many individuals are battling with the COVID-19 virus and many people may not be affected directly, however, they may be struggling with mental health issues because of the pandemic. Become a source of support for someone who is dealing with the traumas that come with the pandemic. Just simply be there for them. We all want to be listened to because it proves that our opinions matter. Just being present (does not have to be physical) and listening to what others are going through and what they are experiencing is an appreciated form of showing compassion. Perhaps they are overwhelmed and their mental health is taking a knock and they need someone to vent to. Open up your ears to their perspectives and stories and make them feel like they are not a burden to you.

Offer assistance

Ask them if they need anything from the market such as groceries or medicines because they can’t step out in public due to quarantine. Maybe their child needs assistance with homework, perhaps you can help them over a video call. Ask them what you can do to help to lessen the load of daily household activities that they may not have the energy to deal with right now. Battling an illness can be strenuous. Being able to offer assistance will be much appreciated and makes the other person feel that they are not struggling on their own to keep afloat.

Information is the key

Being a source of reliable information and good news is a great way to uplift the spirit of someone. Those who are in quarantine are more likely to experience feelings of depression or anxiety about what they may perceive as the unknown. Being a source of positive information and communication can help minimise the impact of mental anxieties. Keep yourself informed with reliable sources concerning topics about public health, share positivity and uplifting news about recoveries and medicinal discoveries. Be a source of laughter and lighthearted comedy that will allow the person to keep going. Make a positive impact on someone.

If you are concerned about the physical or psychological well-being of someone, do not hesitate to reach out for help on their behalf. Remember to take care of yourself so that you can care for others. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Practice meditations, eat healthily, pamper yourself. Allow yourself to go through all the emotions you may be feeling when trying to survive a post-pandemic society because all your feelings are valid. Happiness is a choice and we must strive to fill every single day with it.

(The author is an inspirational speaker, radio host and producer of the show Sexy Brilliant, and an author of Too Fat Too Loud Too Ambitious.)