KUCHING: With the implementation of the movement control order (MCO), upheaval of daily routines, and general fear and stress arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not uncommon for many to feel the effects on their psychological wellbeing.
The current pandemic is a challenging time for everyone, but perhaps even more so for those with pre-existing mental health disorders.
New Sarawak Tribune recently interviewed Sentosa Hospital director and consultant psychiatrist Dr Rosliwati Md Yusoff on the current situation and how patients and staff at the facility have been coping, as well as her advice for those who may be struggling with side effects of the crisis and the associated stigma.
Q: Has there been a rise in the admission of patients with mental disorders at Sentosa Hospital since the MCO began on March 18?
Dr Rosliwati: There are admissions to Sentosa Hospital every day, but there has not been a rise in the number of patient admissions during the MCO period.
How have patients and staff at Sentosa Hospital been coping thus far?
Patients and caregivers understand the current situation and they have been following the advice from the Health Ministry during their follow-ups in the outpatient clinic. They have been wearing face masks, practising social distancing, and washing their hands frequently with soap.
The staffs here are coping well with the current situation; clinical staff members on shift duty work as usual and some staff members are working on a rotational basis, while others work from home.
We have a triaging counter to screen for Covid-19, mainly for staff, patients, caregivers, and the public.
What are some of the effects which can arise due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and what are their causes?
The effects arising from the current Covid-19 pandemic can be categorised as physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural.
In terms of physical effects, people can experience insomnia, reduced appetite, palpitations, fast breathing, tiredness, and muscle strain, while emotional effects can include anger, sensitivity, worry, distress, and sadness.
Meanwhile, cognitive effects include a lack of concentration, difficulty in making decisions, forgetfulness, and an increase in negative thoughts. With regard to behavioural changes, people may be more aggressive due to the current situation.
These effects are caused by worry, panic and anxiety about the Covid-19 pandemic as well as fear for themselves, their loved ones, and others being infected by the virus.
There could also be a stigma towards healthcare workers, other frontliners, patients with Covid-19, and their families.
What is your advice to those with mental health disorders or anxiety to help them cope with the stress of the pandemic and MCO?
They should practise self-care during these trying times, such as eating well, doing light exercise, and making sure they get enough sleep and rest. To those with medical conditions, do not forget to take your medications.
Some relaxation techniques that can be applied are deep breathing techniques, stretching, meditation and yoga.
It is also recommendable to avoid excessive exposure to media coverage, and one should make sure that they are getting accurate and correct news about Covid-19 instead of fake news.
Do allow yourself to feel acknowledged and accept your feelings.
You can keep connected with loved ones through calls, texts and the Internet, while also keeping busy by playing games, reading books and watching movies.
My advice would be for those with mental health disorders and the public alike to focus on what they can control – how they look after themselves, how they handle their feelings and the decisions that they make.
How should people handle or reduce stigma positively, especially when asked to go for Covid-19 screening?
Stigma can prevent people from seeking help and going for Covid-19 screening. Instead, they should think ‘we are not asking to be infected, people who have recovered will not infect others, and Covid-19 does not recognise your race, religion, age, or economic status’.
We need to give support to those who have recovered from Covid-19 as well as their families.
Do not label them as an ex-Covid-19 patient or a Covid-19 victim.
Instead, the public should encourage and provide positive reinforcement to the person at risk who is seeking help.
What are your comments on living post Covid-19 positively with regard to discharged patients?
My advice would be to stay connected with loved ones such as family and friends, encourage and empower persons who have experienced stigma in the society, and express gratitude towards frontliners such as healthcare workers, the police and the army.
Do stay positive and only share accurate information from reliable sources. Speak out against negative behaviours and statements on social media.
Also, be kind and have empathy for those who are suffering from Covid-19.
