Addressing direct, indirect Covid-19 impact on mental health

Zakaria, Rozanizam (2020) Addressing direct, indirect Covid-19 impact on mental health. The New Straits Times, 16 October, 2020.

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Abstract

THIS year's World Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated this year with a slightly different atmosphere as the Covid-19 challenge has yet to end, coupled with the recent Covid third wave in Malaysia which started in line with the beginning of many programs organized for this month. The theme of this year's celebration, Mental Health for All is also in line with this epidemic phenomenon that affects almost everyone in diverse circumstances. In addition to the direct impact on physical health, this epidemic also has an indirect impact on human social well-being and mental health. Global statistics have shown an increase in cases of psychological stress, depression, anxiety, acts of self-harm and domestic violence during this period. In addition, a World Health Organization (WHO) study involving 130 countries also reported that more than 60 per cent of psychiatric and mental health services were directly affected by this epidemic. These include postponement of appointments and therapies, lack of resources, patient logistics issues, finances and services that cannot meet current needs. This indirectly reminds us of a fact that has long been mentioned, namely about the lack of resources in mental health services that need to be taken seriously. The country's ability to cope with the complications of this epidemic in terms of mental health must be enhanced so that it is in line with the needs in the field.

Item Type:	Article (Electronic Media)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Psychiatry
Depositing User:	Dr Rozanizam Zakaria
Date Deposited:	05 Oct 2021 16:31
Last Modified:	05 Oct 2021 16:31
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/92461

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