Studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected people all over the world, has had a significant toll on people’s mental health. Against this backdrop, it can be argued that there is a need for psychological skills training to properly manage and cope with persons who are mentally affected as a result of the global pandemic.

Anju Vivekanandaraj, MSc., PG. Dip. is a practising Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Inner peace Counseling and Psychotherapy services in Guyana. She holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Malwanchal University of India.

Vivekanandaraj is also trained in Inner Peace Psychotherapy and Counseling services and is certified in EQ (Emotional Intelligence) Practitioner and regional network leader of EQ (6Seconds) in Guyana.

During an interview with Pepperpot Magazine, Vivekanandaraj revealed that during the pandemic, many people were missing the kind of support systems they had before COVID hit. As a result, they have not been able to adjust to the new norms brought on by the pandemic as yet.

“There are still people, who are still afraid to go out. People lack the support system they were having before: socialising, getting along, meeting friends- so it is difficult for everyone being within the home, not able to do the things, we would like to do,” she explained.

“During these times, it was difficult for people on many different levels, nurses, doctors and even on relationship levels. It means, therefore, that persons need to receive the type of psychological and social support [that would be] really helpful.”

She noted that since the genesis of her practise, she has been focusing on mindfulness sessions and the impact it has had on managing your emotions.

“I have been doing some sessions, psychological skills training for prisoners and for prison officers. And that is something that people do not have an idea of how mindfulness skills can really help them to manage their emotions, especially the influence that they have. It has been a really exciting session, so that is one thing I would like to emphasise on and apart from that, I have do something called ‘social emotional learning’,” she said.

Social Emotional Learning, she explained, is where children learn to manage their emotions and develop their relationship skills. This, she added, needs to be taught in schools across the country.

What is needed for Guyana’s Children?
Vivekanandaraj noted during her interview that addressing mental health issues in children is very critical this time.
She was careful to mention that when children learn to manage their emotions at a very early age, they are more than equipped to manage issues in a much better way.

“We need a lot of qualified, well-trained people in Guyana, when it comes to mental health services. I am glad that recently the Ministry of Education has done something which is a scholarship for many people. Many have an interest in psychology development, which is welcoming news. It speaks to the fact that we can have qualified people working in mental health institutions,” Vivekanandaraj told the Pepperpot Magazine.

However, Vivekanandaraj reiterated the fact that more needs to be done when it comes to skill-based training for psychologists.
She emphasised the point that skill-based training can be beneficial to all and sundry at all levels.