KUCHING: Befrienders Kuching will continue providing emotional support services via emails during the movement control order (MCO) period.
However, Befrienders Kuching vice-president Dr Ting Chuong Hock said response was slow.
“Perhaps people prefer to talk (over the phone). Nevertheless, we have prepared a list of counselling services available and shared on our Facebook page. We hope this helps people who might prefer to call rather than email,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
Befrienders Kuching admin director Brandon Lee Jia Wei said even though they did not receive a lot of emails, the phone calls had increased.
Befrienders Kuching called on the people to cope with the movement control order saying: “You may be in denial, anger, anxiety, helplessness, anger, depression etc. It is normal to have these emotions. Acknowledge your emotions and identify the triggers which will help you to tackle the psychological consequences.”
Befrienders Kuching listed out the signs of distress that could be observed. These include changes in eating and sleeping patterns, recurrent nightmares, difficulty in concentrating, upsetting thoughts and images, and physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems and skin rashes.
If an individual needs someone to talk to, Befrienders Kuching is available at sam@befrienderskch.org.my or any of Befrienders centres across Malaysia, or seek professional help from the Sarawak General Hospital or Hospital Sentosa.
