KUALA LUMPUR: The loss of daily income to make ends meet due to a global crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic might cause family problems.
Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Urmilah Dass said working parents who had never experienced situations such as the Movement Control Order (MCO) as well as having to take unpaid leave from work might feel extremely anxious and frustrated.
“Yes, there is a possibility. They might lash out at their children. The MCO has changed the way we live our lives where parents and children normally go to work and school.
“Those who have good family dynamics might look forward to spending the time together with their family members.
“However, for families with relationship, financial or other problems, they might find it too much to handle.
“Parents who rely on a daily income might feel anxious and frustrated.
“This might cause problems within the family,” she told the New Straits Times.
She said Malaysia and other countries had never experienced measures such as the MCO and the people might not be mentally prepared in being isolated from the world.
She said the MCO could make or break families and relationships.
“For families with strong bonds, it might not be a problem. But for families with problems, the MCO could be ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’.”
On how the people should address their anger or frustration with the MCO, she said it was crucial to understand why the order was enforced.
“Families should ground themselves and remember that the measure was taken in the best interests of the nation. It was enforced to prevent us from contracting the virus as well as to contain it.
“Good coping mechanisms and a social support system are imperative. Using this time as an opportunity to spend quality time to mend and heal relationships will be good for us.
“Families should explore home activities that they can do together and which can bring them closer to each other.”
A psychologist from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Shazli Ezzat Ghazali, echoed similar views.
He said those who had never experienced unpaid leave from work due to situations such as the MCO would be shocked and frustrated.
“Those who are affected by it will have to bear the loss of income. They will feel angry, frustrated and sad. Being the sole breadwinner is not easy.
“This can contribute to being emotionally unstable. Some might start to display uncontrollable behaviour. They can become extremely sensitive and will not be able to control themselves.
“The family, especially children, might be affected by it.”
To cope with the situation, he said people needed strong spiritual grounding and a sense of acceptance.
He said some would go through emotional stages as they hoped for things to get better.
“They will go into a state of denial followed by anger and finally depression.
“The emotional stages can affect them and might lead to suicide attempts or mental health issues.
“I hope the people can remain calm and have faith.”