Dr Pamod N Sulikeri
All over the world usually, television headlines are dominated by politics, economy, international events, crime news, controversies involving celebrities, etc. But, health-related issues do not get same priority or concern. However, with the unprecedented outbreak of Covid-19, priorities fast changed among media houses. Now pandemic headlines are hitting hard and creating chaos, confusion and uncertainty among citizens. Explosive electronic media coverage, race for TRPs, urgency in covering the news without evidence or authenticated facts, frequent negative breaking news have all further worsened the mental status of citizens and sparked off fear-psychosis in varying degrees among the hapless people.
Frequently depicting ICU clippings with patients on ventilators, displaying long lines of ambulances in front of crematoriums, mass-cremations, disposal of dead bodies in rivers and similar horrifying scenes repeatedly screened for days together have further weakened the will power of the people.
Psychologists say that showcasing or exposing viewers to repeated negative episodes envelopes fear and anxiety among individuals and threatens the Covid warriors who are rendering yeomen services at the cost of their own lives.
Scholars have also highlighted that the pandemic has led to anxieties, impotence, depression, anger and frustration in the community. No matter when one switches ON the TV news channel, the viewer sees only scenes of patients lying outside hospitals, on stretchers, on the ground, in ambulances, in cars, and as their relatives making desperate attempts to get beds with oxygen. These scenes are presented, rather in a horrifying manner as against informative manner. International TV has also presented a grim picture of Indian fragile healthcare system further dampening our fight against Covid.
Need for positive psychology
The time has come for electronic media to exhibit sensibility and pragmatism. Instead of demoralising not only the entire medical healthcare system and community, they should look for positive and inspiring news angles.
Success stories of Covid warriors treating patients unmindful of their discomfort could garner respect among the community. Police serving in a village helping to shift pregnant women to hospitals in the night can motivate our youth. NGOs serving free food, fruits, distributing toiletries and other essential items will act as a model for youth organisations to serve the community.
A dedicated Muslim, irrespective of religion, helping cremate deserted bodies can bring positive change in the community. A critically-ill covid patient on a ventilator coming out and giving positive message can boost the morale of families whose relatives are on ventilator support.
The defence ministry establishing make-shift hospitals in record time has hardly come to the annals of the media. In Mumbai and Ahmedabad, women serving police on duty food and water has hardly hit the headlines. Recovered patients expressing gratitude to the medical fraternity could very well boost the morale of doctors, nurses and give them a shot in the arm to serve better.
Positivity creates positive energy and positive vibrations; this is the hardest time in Indian and all of us in our own way need to shed negativity and share positivity.
Self-compassion, a good tonic for Covid patients
Self-compassion is a powerful way to cope and treat one’s own body. One must repeatedly tell one’s self “ I am getting well, feeling better. I will come out victorious.
Positive affirmations, faith, belief, generating positive thoughts alleviate fear of hospitalisation. Self-treatment involves treating yourself with the same kindness, care, and concern you would show a good friend when they are struggling in some way.
In Covid wards, nurses, technicians, class IV workers have a tough time as they are in PPE kits. It drains a lot of energy from these Covid warriors. Rather than being demanding, extend your best possible cooperation and support. Certain patients on placing oxygen masks over their nose immediately get demoralised and loose hope. Oxygen supports your lungs and gives ample of rest to recuperate.
Our approach needs to be constructive, not destructive as negativities bring disillusionment whereas, positivity ushers progress. We hope TV anchors take enormous energy and present positive vivid pictures.
Recall when as a student, you leave your home to appear annual examination. Your parents and family members would wish you and express confidence that you will do well in the examination and pass out with brilliant colours. Such inspiring wishes or blessings work as positive energy and boost self-confidence. Similarly, we all are in a sort of examination and we all need to pass this phase.
Negative thinking makes one sick and spreading negativity makes the community sick. Presenting news bulletins in negative manners without understanding its implications on society amounts to irresponsibility.
People are expected to show behavioural changes to deal with the devastating pandemic, the same is expected from the TV media. I am sure half the battle will be won against the pandemic if we infuse positivity in all activities of our life and hope media plays a major role in ushering positive vibrations among the community with their bright and responsible reports.
(The writer is transplant coordinator at KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital & MRC Belagavi)
