Friends, while on the move to be with underprivileged and un-served combating corona virus pandemic, our volunteers were experiencing feelings of uneasiness amid the people and symptoms like lack of sleep, dramatic shifts in emotions, depressed feelings, change in appetite, unusual behavior, regular mood changes and nervousness and understandably this was quite visible.
To help individuals feeling lonely sensing social withdrawal and people in distress we have initiated a support group for such people suffering from these unwanted and vague feelings and make them feel important. It was made possible only with the help of some of our angel volunteers, majority of them students from various colleges and aspiring lawyers.
Initially, it was started by our on-field volunteers when they shared stories and data of such suffering people to other team members. Later we come up with an idea of a dedicated support system for them where they can share these feelings with someone who can listen them patiently and since it's the time of social distancing it was only possible virtual way. Here, we also like to recall that our initiative is not a part of medical support system by any means and it’s about standing with our fellow citizen when they are undergoing unprecedented stigma and help them with available resources.
Our support group volunteers act/behave as a virtual family friend providing emotional support to them as they were not professional counselors but individuals with passion to help someone. Majority of cases were contacted back within 24 hrs of receiving details online or otherwise, though we clearly stated that we will contact you within 72 hours. To protect caller identity we operate anonymously and there is no fixed pattern to staffing since it is home based honorary volunteers initiative.
We would also suggest you some other responsive numbers, in case you need professional counselor support and/or medical advice about severe distress or mental health:
You can mail us at positivedomain@yahoo.com if you feel lonely, uneasy and distressed or encountered someone who feels the same (please do not use this mail-id to send messages/mails related to our essential goods distribution drive) This support group works on a principle of maintaining strict confidentiality of the call content hence no one other than the volunteer will know about what you called. If you choose not to reveal your identity you can remain anonymous and we will never ask any identity details. It is free of cost and will be active till October 31, 2020 if not extended further.
Cheers, be healthy and safe
Team PositiveDomain
