Time will heal us all
Experts believe people’s mental health will improve as Malaysia heals from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, many will still need help as endemicity comes with its own challenges while others might still be recovering from the emotional and mental wounds of
FINALLY, we are enjoying some semblance of life before Covid-19.
Now that Malaysia is transitioning towards endemicity – with businesses and activities resuming – experts say people will generally have better mental health with more freedom.
But after two years of movement control orders and uncertainty about the coronavirus, some have sustained deeper emotional scars from the pandemic that will take longer to recover than others.
According to Befrienders Kuala Lumpur, the number of people reaching out to its emotional support helpline has continued its upward trend over the past three years (see graphic).
From an average of 99 contacts a day in 2019, the number of calls, emails and other communication has jumped to 121 a day last year.
“A total of 44,453 calls, emails and face-toface meetings were recorded last year.
“This is a 10% spike from 2020. If compared to before the pandemic in 2019, it is a 23% hike,” Befrienders KL publicity director Ardy Ayadali tells Sunday Star.
As for those who expressed suicidal intentions, the percentage remains about the same at 33% to 34%.
“The number of requests for help is increasing as we have a rising number of contacts developed over the years,” he adds.
The issues brought to light were mostly tied with psychiatric and mental health issues like depression.
“We also noticed an increase in family related issues, as the pandemic caused a lot of disharmony and conflict in families,” Ardy highlights.
But he agrees that the lifting of restrictions definitely elicits a happy sigh from many.
“It’s always a relief as things are somewhat heading towards the normalcy that we remembered.
“A lot of people are feeling pandemic fatigue from the prolonged exposure of the MCO and Covid-19,” he adds.
But still, there is no denying that the pandemic has left its mark on our physical and mental health.
“Many are still reeling from the scars of the pandemic, especially those who have lost loved ones.
“Dealing with premature death, and the guilt associated with it can be traumatic, and some might live their whole life with that.
“There are also some, especially the elderly, who have been in isolation for so long that they feel trapped in their comfort zone and are fearful of going out even after the restrictions have been lifted,” Ardy says. It is thus good that as we heal together, many people are continuing
to seek help instead of bottling things up inside.
To help more in need, Befrienders KL plans to expand with a new centre in Kuantan by this year – making it the organisation’s 10th centre in Malaysia.
As of July 5 last year, Befrienders has nine centres – one each in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Seremban, Melaka, Muar, Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
“For Befrienders KL, we are struggling with recruitment during the pandemic as it has stopped us from running our usual intake.
“We plan to recruit more throughout the year to increase our volunteers, and hopefully continue to provide 24-hour non-stop service to the public,” Ardy says.
It was reported that the Health Ministry said the top mental health issues from the pandemic are acute stress disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders and burnout.
The ministry’s Covid-19 psychosocial support hotline, in collaboration with Mercy Malaysia volunteers, is still operating.
Those who wish to contact the line can do so at 03-29359935, 014-3223392, 01163996482 or 011-63994236.
Its current operating hours are from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm.
Slowly but surely
For clinical psychologist Dr Joel Low, it is a yes and no that the increased freedom has helped people in distress to feel better.
“Those who felt cooped up and stuck these past two years will feel incredibly liberated.
“The opportunity to move around and travel again can be freeing.
“With a return to ‘normal’, it can be a huge boost to our mental health,” he says.
However, those who thrived during the lockdown like people who enjoy staying home a lot or have introverted personalities, may feel unsettled now that they are expected to be out and about again.
“Our move towards endemicity can cause a lot of anxiety for those who are already wary about Covid-19,” says Dr Low, who is the director of The Mind Psychological Services and Training.
He says change can be difficult as we continue to live with the virus amid fewer restrictions.
“Most of us have the ability to adapt quickly enough, but at the start, it can be unsettling.
“But given enough time, and hopefully, positive experiences, the change becomes more palatable and a sense of ease and comfort should return,” Dr Low says.
He shares that many individuals who have developed a coping mechanism to fend off Covid-19, are now going to be challenged as Malaysia enters an endemic stage.
“We have seen clients who don’t have much desire to be around people like they used to, but not in a depressed way.
“But rather, they are more comfortable being by themselves and that’s where they find peace,” he notes.
On the rising number of calls to Befrienders, Dr Low’s take is that life before the coronavirus gave us a lot of distractions.
“With work, late night mamak sessions, badminton games and shopping at malls, we had a lot of different ways to distract us from what was going on at home, between partners, parents, and our children.
“So when all of these distractions are forcibly removed, we’re almost forced to confront the things we used to ignore – demons both internal and external.
“I think that’s the reason why there was an increase in cases,” he explains.
An example that could crop up is conflict within the family in the past that was not really addressed and just swept under the rug.
“It also includes past hurt, doubts about our compatibility with partners, fears about being left alone, the feeling of being taken for granted and children who feel that they’re not being heard.
“Some adults also channel their fears and frustrations onto their kids or other family members,” Dr Low says.
Things will look up
Everybody has had their share of challenges during the pandemic, from financial to emotional issues.
And now that we are approaching a promising phase of the situation, we have to use our freedom wisely, says clinical psychologist and neuroscientist Dr Mohamed Faiz Mohamed Mustafar.
“I believe everyone has put tremendous effort to reach this far.
“Let us make use of our regained freedom to manage our psychological well being.
“At the same time, we must stay vigilant, be mindful of our mental health and continue being kind to ourselves and the people around us,” he says.
Dr Mohamed Faiz, a senior lecturer at the Universiti Sains Malaysia neurosciences department in Kelantan, says studies have shown that spending time outdoors, particularly in natural environments, and socialising can improve mental health.
It even reduces stress, anxiety and depression.
“Physiologically, these types of activities cause the brain to release serotonin which is a type of neurotransmitter that is important in stabilising mood, promoting better sleep patterns and healthy digestion,” he says.
He adds that people with higher adaptability can better handle the changes that come with endemicity.
“On the flip side, some individuals also find it difficult.
“Based on my clinical experience, some patients perceive the endemicity as a great challenge, as now they must go back to the office for work, school for classes or be in crowds.
“They started experiencing anxiety symptoms.
“In other cases, due to the routine practice of washing hands and extreme fear of Covid19, they develop a condition known as obsessive-compulsive disorder,” he says, adding that examples of this behaviour is avoiding physical contact with close family members and excessive cleaning.
He concurs that most mental health issues will be better as time goes by and the nature of the recovery process is dynamic.
“My top advice for those struggling with mental health issues due to the pandemic is to seek professional help.
“For the rest, pay attention to the people around you for some of these warning signs: unstable mood, unhealthy sleep patterns, change in appetite and weight, low motivation and fatigue and behavioral change.
“If you notice these signs in yourself or people in your life, please speak up about it,” he says.
Reach out to Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-7627 2929 or go to befrienders.org.my/ centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers nationwide and operating hours, or email
ISOLATION, financial insecurity and job loss.
These were some of the main reasons for distress among people who used the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) telehealth services.
As such, with activities and businesses resuming now, MMHA president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj says this would naturally lead to better mental health in general for all.
“However, the pace of recovery for those involved may vary depending on the sector.
“The new normal also means that people are more in control of their lives now.
“Having more control and less uncertainty will naturally lead to better mental health,” he says.
But the pandemic, being an unpredictable time, has certainly left some to struggle with the current changes now that activities are resuming.
“There are people fearful of meeting others, refusing travel and keeping to themselves for fear of contracting the illness.
“Let’s not forget that many others whose preexisting conditions, even if well controlled, became compromised as a result of the pandemic,” he points out.
These people were already struggling with mental health conditions like generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression and may have become more obsessed with precautions and afraid of being in contact with others .
“Returning to normal may not be easy for everyone and we must recognise that some people want to take things at their own pace.
“After all, we have never had something like the Covid-19 pandemic and there are still questions left unanswered.
“Life can never be like the old days again and we cannot completely let our guard down,” he adds.
More importantly, Dr Mohanraj urges the public to focus on what we can control.
“We can certainly decide on where we go, how to protect ourselves and our mental health.
“If you are exposed to too much negative news, then it is good to switch off and focus on the positive things in life.
“These could be connecting with people who matter in our lives and being grateful for what we have,” he advises.
Setting a routine to adapt to the new normal will also help very much.
“This could be returning to office or continuing to work from home or even adjusting to a hybrid model of work.
“It is also important not to rush into things simply because things have opened up.
“Participating in activities that we are comfortable with and withdrawing from others that might cause anxious moments, is perfectly acceptable,” Dr Mohanraj assures.
Otherwise, we may feel overwhelmed, and this may affect our mental health.
“Similarly having patience with others and staying flexible will also help,” he says.
Ultimately, he believes everybody has experienced a range of emotions over the last year, and this transition will be different for everyone.
“It is best to focus on what we are comfortable with and what will be best for our mental health,” Dr Mohanraj prescribes.
To ensure our mental health does not deteriorate, clinical psychologist Dr Joel Low says the best way is just be honest with ourselves.
“Ask yourself if you’re okay.
“Being honest with yourself about how well you’re coping.
“If you’re struggling, it would then allow you to acknowledge that there is something amiss, which would then almost be like giving yourself the permission to get help from someone,” he advises.
Another important suggestion is to practise self-care as much as we can, like working out and eating a healthy diet.
“But do supplement that with emotional and psychological boosts as well.
“Connect with loved ones, engage in activities that you love and enjoy, pursuing a hobby or something that you’ve always wanted to do, or maybe even start a new adventure.
“All these are great ways to make sure that your resource tank stays full as much as possible,” Dr Low adds.
There will be times when we will encounter difficult situations, and to this, he urges the public to soldier on.
“Many times when we encounter challenges, it’s hard to see how we would get out of that situation.
“But if you hang in there, and keep chugging along, you’ll see the end eventually, at some point,” he says, adding that help is always available out there.