As emotional, physical labour goes up, women actively seek mental health support on SHEROES app helpline
The lockdown has impacted women in unique ways, and SHEROES app has introduced multiple resources to strengthen their online support system.
The corona virus pandemic, and consequent lockdowns around the world have changed the fabric of the women’s lives in diverse ways, and we are seeing these narratives playing out on the SHEROES app’s helpline and communities.
According to Shakun Vijay, Head of the Ask SHEROES helpline, five to six key themes have emerged as a consequence of the lockdown. “These include dealing with anxiety, loss of business and jobs, experiencing loneliness, fear of not leading life like before and fear of never seeing family again,” she shares.
The Ask SHEROES counselling helpline is a unique feature of the app, enabling users to chat with counsellors in real time. “This week another key theme has emerged — the additional burden of home chores, no load sharing by other family members, increased domestic violence, sex without consent, difficulty in balancing work and home chores while working from home. This is leading to exhaustion,” says Shakun echoing a general trend across the world.
Additionally women are concerned about practical issues such as not having a ration card, and other documents. “There is panic and fear around not being able to avail government schemes,” she adds.
To further strengthen the support ecosystem, SHEROES app has also launched a number of additional resources such as a Covid 19 on the utilities bar of the app. The kit leads users to essential information, access to the helpline, medical specialists and other resources.
“There is an increased influx of medical queries primarily due to the limitations imposed on visiting one’s own general physician. The health community has an extensive network of specialists, which enables women to find solutions to all their health concerns,” shares Dr Michelle Frank, SHEROES resident doctor.
Queries range from gynecological concerns relating to menstrual health, access to abortion care, treating bone/joint pains and mental health concerns, related to self-isolation.
“Women have found the health community to be a safe space not only to consult experts, but also to find solace. Knowing that they are not alone has enabled more women to open up regarding their own health concerns during these trying times, “ shares Dr Frank, who has been running live expert sessions around mental and physical health along with partners like Fortis Healthcare, who’s experts are active on SHEROES.
These sessions are interactive and educational, and have helped users equip themselves with the right information and tools to keep themselves and their families safe.
On a lighter note, one of the more fun activities on the app is the #21DayLockdown challenge, comprising a task a day, to nudge users towards mindful utilisation of time. The gratitude challenge is one such example. Others include reading, cooking, art, poetry and fitness challenges.
These early interventions have paved the way for feelings of gloom and negativity, to be replaced with hope and being able to take charge of one’s own destiny. They have encouraged SHEROES users to seek support, share experiences and tap the spirit of community during challenging times.
SHEROES, the women-only social network is a safe, constructive, high-empathy, high-trust online ecosystem for women to engage and chase dreams. It offers communities, a chat-based counsellng helpline, champions, resources, opportunities, credit opportunities, a reproductive health tracker and a social commerce marketplace. It is accessible via Sheroes.com and the SHEROES app
