How Meesho is fighting against the invisible effects of COVID-19 — by prioritising the mental health of Meeshoites
The ongoing global lockdown and its effects have been described as the “world’s biggest psychological experiment”. And the effect on people around the world has been immensely psychological apart from the fear of being physically struck down by the Coronavirus.
Science journals such as the Lancet have published the debilitating psychological impact of quarantine and its effect through 24 studies in March this year and the stressors found included longer quarantine duration, fear of infection, frustration, boredom, financial loss, stigma and more. The psychological effects are even worse and include stress, low mood, anxiety, depression, anger, irritability, depression and emotional exhaustion, among others.
Right at the beginning of the lockdown in March 2020, Meesho had collaborated with two service providers who offered generic counselling as well as specialised psychiatric consultations, as mental well being has been a big priority for us from day one. “However as time went by (we are in our 6th month of quarantine and counting), a need was felt for a partnership with a much more robust and sustainable platform, whose core focus would be the emotional and mental well being of Meeshoites,” says Johncy Sanoop, Meesho’s Head of Compensation & Benefits.
Post evaluating multiple service providers, Meesho narrowed down on YourDost, India’s first online mental health and emotional wellness coach to offer Meeshoites the much needed support during these trying times. Meeshoites will have access to expert advice from 1,000 + experts keeping all communication completely confidential, private and anonymous. None of the sessions taken on the platform will be shared with anyone, including the organisation.
And the topics and issues that one can talk to a psychologist or a counsellor range from stress, time management, confidence building, career coaching, relationships, sexual wellness and more. The free service will enable Meeshoites to take charge of their mental well being and enable them to reach out to a professional capable of helping them out.
On the YourDost site, Meeshoites can not only consult professionals but also take quick tests that might help them do an initial self check — from anxiety tests to emotional intelligence evaluation and also screen time evaluation. There is also a section where you could take up quick courses to build confidence, manage your time effectively or negotiate your relationships, and discussion forums, perfect to start a conversation on what’s plaguing you.
Making this benefit available to Meeshoites is an important step towards making quarantine life a bit more bearable for them. And we are hoping this will help us emerge stronger than ever. After all, #weareinthistogether.
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