MENTAL health is something people still can't seem to openly talk about because of the stigma.
Names of certain conditions have pejorative connotations when used as a slang or insult. Because of that, people shy away from seeking professional help. Nobody wants to be labelled.
Denial is the other part. To begin with, they can't even acknowledge that they have problems, let alone get help.
Unfortunately, the state of our mind and mental health can't be measured. There isn't any thermometer or instrument you could use to detect the severity of your condition.
Nonetheless, the problem is very real.
As we enter our extended phase of nearly 80 days of "altered" living under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), "going crazy" is no longer just a turn of phrase that exaggerates a situation. People are actually suffering the stress of what life has become since the pandemic.
The order to stay home to stay safe; the strict control and prohibitions of travel; being quarantined for two weeks upon coming home from abroad; not being able to do things you normally do like going to the office or school, just to name some, have disrupted our routines and equilibrium.
The perimeters of what were considered normal and had previously defined us have changed.
Many of us can adjust to this. Some actually enjoy it — working from home, no physical contact for greetings, crowd control and the sneeze/cough etiquette.
Unfortunately, there are people who have been displaced by this current situation. Some have suffered pay cuts; others may have lost their jobs. It has become hard to pay bills and make ends meet.
Those with loved ones who are physically and/or mentally challenged previously had places to send them to during the day. Now they are homebound together. Whatever reprieve enjoyed during those precious few hours in a day is gone.
Sadly, because of these factors affecting our "new normal" now, domestic violence has increased in some households. Men, women and children are getting abused by stressed people living in the same confined spaces.
RECOGNISING AND COPING
Previously, everyone had a bit a space because they could go out to chill. Today, just the mere thought of going to a crowded place fills us with trepidation.
In fact, even walking in the park and getting caught behind a runner's slipstream is enough to send us scurrying home and disinfecting ourselves.
If you're having problems coping with the current situation, feeling overwhelmed, helpless or fearful, connect with someone to air your worries. Even if you can't meet them in person, there are always video calls.
Some people have anxiety attacks; they experience actual physical symptoms like breathing problems, palpitations, cold sweats, difficulty breathing and impending doom.
Some people have symptoms that mimic a heart attack. It's scary and distressing.
If this situation prolongs and isn't addressed, it can affect that person's sleep cycle, appetite and moods. It can change his or her personality. It could throw them into a vicious cycle because they can easily lose interest in the simplest things that used to bring them joy.
If you have a loved one who's going through this, don't trivialise their problems. Even though it can be difficult, try not to be judgmental.
Refrain from saying something like "it's all in the mind" or "get a grip". Their fear and symptoms are very real and it can manifest into something worse like depression and even suicide.
SEEK HELP
Address the issues before they get out of hand. There are things you could try on your own and see if that helps. If it doesn't, seek professional help. Start by evaluating your daily routines.
Are you bombarding yourself with too much information via the Internet and social media?
Fear factors fed by negative and skewed reporting of events and situations around the world can contribute to depression and anxiety. It's hard to ascertain fake news from fact.
Consciously practise "information detox". Detach from sources of information and create routines that can nurture our mind, body and soul. Don't be glued to the smartphone or television all day long.
Start something new or rekindle your old hobbies. It could be exercising, cooking, reading, journaling, gardening etc.
The general orders of eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercising still stand. We need to do this regularly more than ever.
It sounds simple and basic, but you'd be surprised by how much this helps to fight stress and anxiety, and to regulate all the hormones that keep you well.
Until a vaccine or medication is found to combat Covid-19 and its ilk, this is for now the homemade and organic "vaccine" that we need to strengthen and boost our immune system.
Washing hands with soap and water, sanitising things before we bring them into the house, social distancing, wearing masks when going out, or when you have cough and cold, must still be done.
Putri Juneita Johari volunteers for the Special Children Society of Ampang. She can be reached at juneitajohari@yahoo.com.