His journey with keyboards after getting infected & even otherwise can inspire others fighting not just the dreaded virus’s mental health impact but also other troubles
New Delhi [India], July 2: COVID has made many face mental issues. These, combined with personal troubles, add to the chaos. But Ratik Puri is one young man from Delhi who overcame COVID-related mental health troubles & more with the help of music. And he is keen to share his story to facilitate others beat negativity. For him, music is one’s perfect partner in getting literal ‘peace of mind’.
Speaking about India’s COVID-19 situation, this IT professional voices the people’s shock at everything. “There was so much negativity associated with ‘being positive’.We were all mentally disturbed at home. The flow of myths &misinformation was huge leading to further pandemic fear.”
Ratik further adds, “I remember the day I tested positive. These scary thoughts were too much for us to handle. We just didn’t know what next. The keyboard is the only thing that kept me going. Fortunately, my family understood & supported my musical passion.”
He has been playing the keyboard since the age of 10. Ratik, who also works as a Software engineer professional at Optum thinks music is the best rejuvenating therapy.
Sharing his experience during COVID, Ratik, mentioned, “When my family and I were home isolated due to COVID, we were all stuck in our rooms. That’s when music came to my help. I used to play the keyboard every day in the evening and the whole family enjoyed it from their respective room. Being isolated is not a great feeling. Emotional upheavals, health issues & loneliness can have negative effects on one’s mind. Getting out of it was possible only because of music, keyboard to be particular. Plus it helped my family stay calm & happy too in their respective rooms. A very famous quote left a footprint on my mind which is Prayer is when you talk to God. Meditation is when you’re listening. Playing the piano allows you to do both at the same time.”
Ratik is keen to share his musical experience so as to help others deal with similar ordeals. “Music has helped me gain confidence by performing in front of crowds, along with expressing myself. It has helped me in becoming a calmer person by absorbing all my stress. It has also helped me to share who I am with the world.”
Ed Sheeran’s Photograph is his favourite. “I can still recall my first college performance and cherish those memories every day. That’s my motivation. Music holds everyone together and that’s what gives me the zeal to continue playing keyboard.” Most would be aware of research that states music helps ease anxiety, blood pressure, and other such health worries, along with providing good sleep, mood, alertness & memory.
With talks floating about ways to deal with COVID’s impact on physical & mental health, Ratik Puri’s musical experience can be inspiring and needs to be shared.
Check out his YouTube channel: Ratik Puri
Instagram Handle: @pianist_ratik
Divya Agarwal
