LETTERS: The theme of World Mental Health Day on Oct 10 was "Mental Health in an Unequal World" that emphasised mental health for all.
Mental health issues have been increasing since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has impacted the economy, with financial hardship experienced across all industries, individuals losing jobs and shelter, families having difficulty putting food on the table and a lack of financial support.
All these have taken a toll on mental health by increasing stress, anxiety, depression and even suicidal tendencies.
The pandemic has resulted in social isolation due to movement restrictions, with many separated from their loved ones.
Even those who are staying together are isolated due to quarantine and fear of getting infected. Those infected with Covid-19 are anxious and worried about the disease and even death.
It is tougher for those who have lost their loved ones during the pandemic, especially families that have lost their breadwinners.
Not forgetting, the frontline workers who suffer burnout from overwhelming workload in treating Covid-19 patients.
All these highlights the importance of mental health resilience.
The American Psychological Association defines resilience as the adaptive process in facing the change, trauma, disaster, threats or major sources of stress.
Here are ways to maintain mental health resilience:
FIRST, build connection by prioritising personal and group relationships. It is crucial to talk to a trustworthy and understanding person, who genuinely cares, knowing that we are not alone in this challenging time;
SECOND, is about self-care and practising mindfulness. Choose a healthier lifestyle and better emotional management instead of negative outlets that may harm us;
THIRD, find purpose by acknowledging and accepting that our emotions could give us an opportunity for self-discovery to find ways out of the hardship we face.
Hence, move towards realistic goals to make a better change in overcoming the issues and help others to rid of similar situations;
FOURTH, embrace healthy thought. Looking through a positive lens could help us to accept changes and be hopeful and emerge stronger in facing challenges;
FIFTH, seek help. It's all right to
be not okay. Seeking help is a brave move in getting closer to a healthier mind and body. Reach out to get support.
Hence, mental health resilience must not only be built on an individual but also as a whole society approach to move forward together.
To cope with the high mental health demands, the Sector of Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Violence and Injury Prevention under the Non-Communicable Disease Section of the Disease Control Division of the Health Ministry has made the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Service (MHPSS) reachable to all.
The MHPSS hotlines are 014-3223392/011-63996482/011-63994236/03-29359935, while the non-governmental organisation hotline can be obtained at https://tinyurl.com/MHPSShotlines. Agencies that provide food and transport assistance are listed under https://tinyurl.com/foodtransporthelp.
For more information, visit the Minda Sihat website at https://www.mindasihatkkm.com.
Move forward together to achieve mental health resilience for all and ensure that no one is left behind. Where there is unity, there is victory!
DR YOONG LEE YEEN
PROFESSOR DR MOY FOONG MING
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times