MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS DUE TO COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of facing the traumatic effects of massive mental problems in the community following the spread of COVID-19. The COVID-19 epidemic that hit Malaysia has a huge impact on the country’s political, economic, social, health and education systems. In fact, the impact also involves family institutions up to the internal aspects of psychology and human well-being. Mental health is an important element in determining the functionality of human beings and influencing the level of health and well-being, especially in the face of the spread of this epidemic.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have penetrated every layer of society from every angle imaginable. Although the purpose of social movement restrictions is to protect our people from infection, but it has inadvertently brought the risk of worsening people’s mental health. Despite the effects of COVID-19 on society and families as a result, mental health also affects those who cannot visit members family treated in hospital.

In the current situation, members of society need to play a greater role, for example family members need to be sensitive because their involvement is very important to avoid mental health problems. Worse, untreated depression and stress can lead to suicide.
However, in the context of the current pandemic, realistically, self-control plays an important role in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

The self-control that is meant is the ability and ability to practice all kinds of standard operating procedures (SOP) related to physical and social distancing, staying away from crowded places, washing hands and maintaining personal hygiene, and so on. Apart from that, the action of meeting experts and relevant medical officers in the field to get consultation help is seen to be able to reduce the emotional disturbances and feelings faced. In fact, it can be implemented at any time even during the movement control period.

Although it is normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed and nervous during the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals and families who are feeling stressed or facing mental health problems can try to get enough sleep, regularly participate in sports activities, eat nutritious food and avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and drug abuse. With these self-care strategies that are very important for physical and mental health, a person can take good control of his life.

Throughout this pandemic, there are several agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have offered their services to help those affected by Covid-19. The Ministry of Health Malaysia’s Psychosocial Support Line was created with Mercy and other agencies to deal with mental health problems related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Ideally, get a psychiatric evaluation if this happens. It should be noted that mental health is as important as physical health and prevention at an early stage can help.

The pandemic situation, which still has no end in sight, can be a factor affecting someone’s mental health. In this pandemic season, let us together care about the situation of those around us and help each other for those in need. This is because, it can affect anyone regardless age and gender. Therefore, each individual should join hands and together emphasize aspects of mental and emotional health care from time to time.