Handling emotions during the lockdown: Eating the way forward to happiness by Dr. Chandrima Chatterjee

 The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had ide ranging consequences for

everyone in the world. Not only has the health infrastructure come under close scrutiny and

COVID has claimed the lives of many people, but, the effect has stretched into the lives of

people, who were not even infected by this virus.

To contain the spread of the virus, the first community mitigation measure, adopted at the

community level throughout the globe was the imposition of a “lockdown”. This compelled

the people to stay indoors and not venture out, unless necessary. This exercise continued for a

span of quite a few months at a stretch and in ongoing in some parts, even till date. The effect

of this step was very rampant and affected the economies of various nations significantly and

also had a huge impact on the mental health of the populations. “Work-from-home” got

added to the urban vocabulary as soon as the lockdown had started. Working for long hours,

overcoming network issues and managing household chores, all of this together, became a

commonplace for the life of every individual, striving to achieve his/her livelihood. This

“new normal” came with its daunting effects one of which can be noticed much on the

waistlines of the urban dwelling working class population.

All of us are aware of the term “binge-eating” which refers to the engagement in disinhibited

eating practices, regardless of any constraints. Binge eating occurs as an instinct to escape

self-awareness. This could even be resulting due to coping up with difficult situations such as

high expectations from family, friends, employers or others and falling short of fulfilling

those (Heatherton & Baumeister, 1991).

With the constraints introduced by the lockdown i.e. the confinement, there have been rising

concerns about health and fitness. Among the many ailments, there are high chances of

developing an eating disorder in vulnerable individuals, when subjected to the stress of a

lockdown. Increased time spent on social media, coupled with loneliness and isolation could

be some of the possible reasons leading to various eating disorders. Apart from binge-eating

disorder (BED), the other disorders that may result are Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia

Nervosa (BN). These disorders may even have pre-existed in many individuals and could get

aggravated during this lockdown period of COVID-19.

Along with headlines of COVID creating fear one side, the social media has also been giving

out the message of “Being Positive” during this period. So, there is negativity on one hand

and an attempt by people on the other hand to try to think “positive” and push aside their

negative thoughts. But is it really that easy? The various existing “images” being created

about hat is a “good way to be”, striving towards an ideal body shape and perfect skin and

hair has pushed the people towards higher expectations and a lower self- image for

themselves (Touyz, Lacey & Hay, 2020). The limitations of access to proper workout

environment and equipment, coupled with the increasing work stress, anxiety etc., achieving

or maintaining this “ideal body” is becoming increasingly difficult.

With the people with eating disorders (ED) forming a significant part of the vulnerable

population, people are at an amplified risk of developing weight loss in anorexia nervosa

(AN), electrolyte imbalance in bulimia nervosa (BN), or cardiovascular diseases in binge

eating disorder.(Baenaz et al, 2020). Studies show that when negative stimulus is introduced,

the bulimics tend to over-eat without any restrains or binge-eat, to overcome stress (Laberg,

Wilson, Eldredge & Nordby, 1991).

When the effects of binge-eating on the heart are looked at and analyzed, a major role is seen

to be played by stress. It is also associated with decrease in heart rate variability (HRV). The

balance of low-frequency HRV and high-frequency HRV reflect the balance of sympathetic

and parasympathetic activities which in turn affects the cardiac rhythm. Different studies

have shown that, the introduction of different stressors can produce very different results in

individuals with BED and even in those who do not have BED but have similar Body-Mass

Indices (BMIs). This concludes that people with BED show a longer recovery time from any

cardiovascular disease. (Naish, Laliberte, MacKillop & Balodis, 2019).

Thus, it can be conclusively stated that the lockdown has stressed everyone, and has in turn

affected the eating and sleeping patterns of many. The changes in the circadian rhythm have

forced the vulnerable population i.e. those suffering from eating disorders to turn to other

unhealthy habits to overcome the imminent anxieties and tensions. The social media and the

advancement of technology have also negatively affected this situation. Increases in body

weight, a predisposition to obesity and electrolyte imbalance have resulted, thus affecting the

health of the individuals. A few of the things can be kept in mind, to pass through the tough

times. Spending less time on the social media and hereby, “taking a break” from that can help

in relaxing the mind. Inculcating some habits like sleeping early and meditating may have a

positive effect on the mind and body and can also help in avoiding the midnight hunger

pangs. Acceptance of the fact, that we are going through a tough time and there can be ups

and downs rather than spreading toxic positivity messages, will help in relaxing the mind.

After all, relaxing the mind, indeed, would help in handling the emotions well.

References

Heatherton, T. F., & Baumeister, R. F. (1991). Binge eating as escape from self-

awareness. Psychological bulletin, 110(1), 86.

Baenas, I., Caravaca‐Sanz, E., Granero, R., Sánchez, I., Riesco, N., Testa, G., ... &

Fernández‐Aranda, F. (2020). COVID‐19 and eating disorders during confinement:

Analysis of factors associated with resilience and aggravation of symptoms. European Eating

Disorders Review.

Touyz, S., Lacey, H., & Hay, P. (2020). Eating disorders in the time of COVID-19.

Friederich, H. C., Schild, S., Schellberg, D., Quenter, A., Bode, C., Herzog, W., & Zipfel, S.

(2006). Cardiac parasympathetic regulation in obese women with binge eating

disorder. International Journal of Obesity, 30(3), 534-542.

Laberg, J. C., Wilson, G. T., Eldredge, K., & Nordby, H. (1991). Effects of mood on heart

rate reactivity in bulimia nervosa. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 10(2), 169-178.