Keep Your Mind Healthy During Covid-19
Dear Malaysians,
It has been three weeks since our country started its Movement Control Order. This period has been difficult for many of you and most of us. We know this, we understand. Thank you for doing all that you can to help, we appreciate it. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, here’s what you can do next for your mental health:
Reframe your thoughts
Instead of thinking about this situation as restrictive, try to reframe it as an opportunity to do all the things you’ve always wanted to do but had no time to. Take this time to learn a new skill, such as baking or programming.
Reach out to loved ones
Although we need to stay physically apart, there are still many ways to stay closely connected to the people we love. For example, we can use tools such as Whatsapp, FaceTime, Zoom and Skype.
Know when to switch-off
Yes, it is important to keep updated with the news. However, it is also unhealthy for your mental well-being to obsess over all COVID-19 coverage. Put down your phone, be present.
Create a new schedule
While it seems tempting to sleep-in and spend your time watching TV, having a set structure for your day-to-day activities will help to provide you with a sense of stability. Tip: remember to always include an activity you look forward to in your daily schedule.
Look out for others
Think about what you can do to help others and your wider community, from putting together care packages for frontliners, to reaching out to the vulnerable or cooking for your loved ones. This may help provide you with a sense of productivity, which can ease your anxiety.
Seek professional help
If it is difficult for you to cope, it is okay to look for professional advice. There is no stigma in doing so. A COVID-19 support hotline has been set up by our Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. This hotline can be contacted at Talian Kasih at 15999 and on Whatsapp at 019-2615999, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Remember, we will get through this together.
BERKHIDMAT UNTUK NEGARA
Malaysian Health Coalition
