LETTERS: The Covid-19 pandemic has been at the forefront of our life since 2020 and the subsequent impact surrounding the social restrictions and mobility has changed the world.
As a result of drastic public health measures to contain the virus contagion, economic and social activities had to be restricted on a large scale, affecting people all over the globe, and especially those at the bottom of the wealth pyramid.
But, an even more insidious effect of this pandemic that needs to be addressed is the mental health consequences for people who are vulnerable during this time.
Whether it is due to the disease itself or the effects of the surrounding restrictions, there has been a rise in anxiety and depression not only among those already battling with mental illness, but also among those who are hardest hit by the economic downturn and in isolation.
A local nationwide survey done online reported that the prevalence of depression and anxiety was as high as 59 and 55 per cent respectively. International studies have also similarly reported increasing rates of mental health problems.
This comes as no surprise, and during these challenging times of having lost loved ones to Covid-19 or lost jobs or opportunities or dreams or quality time with family. This pandemic has impacted the very basic sense of support and growth.
Students are deprived of the normal social skills in the classroom, teachers are exhausted by teaching online and remotely. Essential workers are burdened by the standard operating procedures of physical distancing and protective gears in the workplace.
Small- and medium-sized businesses had to close in the prolonged movement control order. A collective trauma has taken place, a very stressful event that has affected the society as a whole, or a traumatic societal event.
Just like when World War 2 happened and how it still affected the people who survived it. Residual stress even after the traumatic event has ceased will follow, especially after a wide-scale impact that the pandemic has caused.
Vulnerable people are going to find it difficult to re-socialise, find work opportunities and restart their businesses when under financial pressure.
Therefore, a significant number of people may not be as mentally healthy as before and will require mental health support throughout their acute stress and after.
Ensuring mental health services are available and accessible is vital to help prevent serious complications of anxiety and depression.
The World Health Organisation had once, before the Covid-19 pandemic, predicted that depression will be the leading cause of disability worldwide by 2030.
Depending on how well the post-pandemic health measures are implemented, it may be the case that this prediction may come true.
It was good initiative for countries, including Malaysia, to have allocated a special budget to address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health, with the aim of increasing mental health services and promote mental awareness to the public.
It is a good start but it needs to be sustained even after the lockdown has been lifted, and businesses and other areas of life have started to open up again.
Dr. S. A.
Psychiatrist
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times