LETTERS: For most of us, the first wave of Covid-19 came and went almost unseen. Many felt that they were very distant cases, not something we had to worry about. At the International Islamic University Malaysia, we did feel its presence — we delayed our classes as we had quite a number of students from China.
We dealt with this internally with the advice of the medical experts on our team. Then, the second wave came. Many felt it wasn't something to worry about. It would go away like SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). Except, the numbers rose steadily. Then, it hit us smack in the face when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was announced.
From two weeks, it was extended to full six weeks. Then the government started to ease the rules. The moment it was announced, there was panic buying. University students scrambled to get home. Many rushed to balik kampung.
There was concern about having to work from home and not being able to go anywhere.
University students were worried about classes, wanting to go home yet not knowing if they would be able to follow classes and take exams remotely. Their parents were worried about their wellbeing, having to be confined to hostel rooms.
The novelty of staying home began to fade as it became apparent that it wasn't going to be a "family retreat". Businesses struggled to stay afloat, daily earners struggled to make ends meet, even salaried workers were not spared as some had to take a pay cut.
We were relieved when the MCO was eased and we are now in the recovery period. We started going out cautiously. The number of cases fell to single digits, and life started to feel normal.
But we are now dealing with the third wave, which seems to be more aggressive, with record number of daily new cases. And the cases keep getting closer to us — the malls we go to, a family friend, fellow parents, teachers in our children's school, someone working in the same building.
Some of us are angry. Despite following the standard operating procedures, we have to deal with this, through no fault of our own. Many are worried while others are anxious. With new clusters emerging and getting closer to home, how do we protect ourselves?
We are not ready. Yet we have to be. How do we deal with this psychological distress? First, acknowledge that we are distressed. Then ask ourselves why we are feeling so. Talk this over with someone.
Find someone who can help you navigate through the complexity of your thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental way. Avoid talking to someone who will fan these feelings further, including in the virtual world.
If anger is your main emotion, practise anger management techniques. Some common ones are deep breathing, prayers, meditation and mindfulness. Only look for useful information, surf social media prudently. Don't spend too much time on it.
Pick up a new skill, follow a new online class, revive your hobby, read and re-read your favourite books, or read your religious text. If need be, seek professional help for your mental health. It's the same as going to a doctor for your physical health. We do what we need to do to become well. Time to use this hashtag: #kitaterusjagakita.
LIHANNA BORHAN
International Islamic University Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times