Shefali Shah, who was shooting for a series when the lockdown was announced back in April. Now, The Delhi Crime actress has deflected all her energies towards bridging resources with those in need using the social media platform.
“I felt so redundant. I still don’t know what to do. Helping is not limited to donations to NGOs. It’s about doing something more. I just started amplifying messages for requirements and from those who can provide any help. This is one of those times when social media has come in handy. It has a certain reach. I just try to bridge gaps. Whatever little each one of us does will make a difference. It’s depressing and sad to see these heartbreaking messages crying out for help. And it’s equally heartening to see that the help one tried to provide has done the deed. I can’t say I am very satisfied with what I am doing, but I feel okay that kuch to help mil rahi hai logon ko,” says Shefali.
Shefali also shared her views on Mental Health and its importance in these times, “In times like these, there is no way you can keep your composure. Everything happening around affects you. I go into autopilot mode when I am dealing with something so overwhelming. I focus on doing what is needed, with a promise that I will deal with my emotions at a later date,” says Shefali.
She adds, “COVID-19 affected me directly. My parents, one after the other, were admitted to the hospital for treatment. Dad had come out of a bypass. At that time, I was really working on what had to be done. I didn’t let emotions cloud my mind. This is the way I function. Last year, it hit me that I had to keep a distance from my parents for months. On the rare occasions that I saw them, it was from a distance. A couple of weeks ago, when they were getting admitted, I was there. But I had no option except to watch everything from a distance — my mom getting into an ambulance or being transferred into the hospital. I could not be with her or dad like I would have wanted to. I could not meet them for a while after that. I saw them recently after they tested negative. In the first round of dealing with the pandemic, it all became personal while we figured what to do; this time, we all know that this is bigger than anything individual. It’s taking a toll. In the current situation, we’re all feeling helpless, frustrated and desperate to get help and be of help. The only way to deal with this is to let it out. Talk to people. I hated video calls, but it has kept me connected with my friends. It’s far easier to go into your shell. Having said that, everyone should develop a coping mechanism. There’s no way we can run away from this.”