ON hold — this pretty much describes current happenings around the globe; although, not much is happening due to restrictive measures to halt Covid-19's spread. Some three billion people worldwide are under various modes of lockdown — it is the largest ever quarantine since the Spanish flu pandemic nearly a century ago. That almost three billion people could be under considerable degree of fear and worry because of Covid-19 is frightening. It may result in a secondary epidemic of the population suffering from burnout and extreme anxiety, say health experts.
Simply, this means hundreds may be inflicted with intense mental disorder due to the stress of being under lockdown for months on end. We are in the fifth month of 2020 and there is not even a sliver of Covid-19's demise. The disease is raging, especially in the United States and Europe. And so the lockdown in 210 countries and territories continues, although several countries are easing restrictions.
The new norms of staying home, social distancing, zero gatherings and coping with economic fallouts are beginning to grate on people. Loneliness, depression, alcohol and drug abuse and suicidal behaviour are expected to rise. Vulnerable groups — the elderly, older adults, those who have no family and live alone and care providers — are at risk.
This loss of freedom and lack of human touch are alien to many of us. We are not used to living in isolation for prolonged periods, says a psychiatrist, because humans are social creatures and "we need to connect, communicate, interact, and have personal contact". The Lancet, in February, published a review of 24 studies that documented the psychological impact of lockdown or quarantine. People under quarantine are likely to develop psychological stress and disorder, including violent behaviour, low mood, insomnia, anger, irritability, emotional exhaustion and depression.
We are already seeing instances of violent behaviour in some parts of the world. In March, the United Kingdom saw a string of murder cases at the end of Britain's first week on lockdown. In Turkey last week, an ex-convict allegedly beat his 9-year-old daughter repeatedly. The Turkish government had approved measures to reduce sentences for nearly a third of inmates to stop Covid-19's spread in prisons.
In Malaysia, domestic violence cases have reportedly been on the rise since the start of the Movement Control Order (MCO). Browse social media and one will find people commenting on how their neighbours "are screaming their heads off to release tension". But, by and large, Malaysians have been relatively sedate and creative in managing their stress by engaging in activities like improving their cooking, reading, Internet surfing, gaming, listening to music, exercising and furniture climbing (for yoga enthusiasts).
There is, however, a need for an action plan to help us cope with the changes in our lifestyle so that our mental health is not affected. It can get distressing to stay home and keep one's distance 24/7. China has reportedly conducted research on the mental health effects of its lockdown. And it is drawing up plans to manage "trauma-related mental health disorder". Malaysia may want to commission such a study. Taking action now can mitigate MCO's toxic effects.