What is mental health?
Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.
Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.
COVID-19 affecting mental health
This week in Malaysia, life as we knew it changed in a matter of days as businesses and schools shut, rush hour ceased and anyone out on a grocery run is usually mask-clad, sanitizer-ready and three feet away from you.
But while the government and medical experts explain that social distancing and staying at home is the most effective tool to slow the spread of coronavirus in our community, less has been said about how to protect ourselves and each other from the negative mental health impacts of the outbreak.
The coronavirus pandemic has not just threatened the physical health of millions but also wreaked havoc on the emotional and mental well-being of people around the world. Feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and grief are rising as people face an increasingly uncertain future — and nearly everyone has been touched by loss.
In addition, it can be hard to escape the constant barrage of bad news in the media too, which can add to feelings of stress and despair.
"Many people are being asked to stay at home and avoid others, which might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things people can try to help with their well-being during the outbreak."
Ways to overcome your mental health during this pandemic
1. Practice self-care
It's easy to slip into the habit of sleeping late, spending all day in your pajamas and eating junk food, but looking after yourself is essential for your mental health. Even simple tasks such as washing your face can feel difficult sometimes, but they can make a big difference to the way you feel
2. Physical Exercise
Getting moving is easier said than done when you feel low or anxious, but it can significantly boost your mood.
Exercising at home can be simple and there are options for most ages and abilities, including yoga videos or cardio workouts.
“Physical activity is recognized as one of the preventive factors for a mental health problem. The prevalence of physically active is relatively still low i.e.
66.5% (Source KKM)”
If you are seeking physical therapy advise do not hesitate to email us at dbc.physiotherapy@gmail.com and our respective physiotherapist will get in touch with you for free video call work out guidance.
1. Set up a group conversation
Only by setting calls with family or friends and regularly checking in with people, either online or by phone. That way, you can offer support to anyone struggling or reach out to others if you need to.
Even just sending daily updates can help us feel more connected and less alone during these difficult times.
2. Get professional help
· Those struggling with emotional breakdowns due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) can call the Talian Kasih helpline to seek help and emotional support. The hotline was set up as part of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry's initiative in providing psychological support to those affected by the stay-home order which has now been extended to April 28 to curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. Those who need help could contact the Talian Kasih hotline at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999. The hotline is available 24 hours every day
· Those who are in need of a listening ear can visit the website: www.befrienders.org.my for further information on how to download, install and use Skype as well as its operating hours. Befrienders also help to beat COVID-19 blues
· We have an in-house psychology graduate which can help you by free counseling whenever and wherever through our links given above to manage urgent mental health within an emergency or general healthcare facility.