Thursday, April 2, 2020

Covid-19 could take toll on people's mental health, say experts

Source Website: https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/covid-19-could-take-toll-peoples-mental-health-say-experts
By Cheow Sue-Ann, sueannc@sph.com.sg, The New Paper, 01 April 2020 at 06:00 am


Resilience, community spirit and positive thoughts will go a long way in mitigating the stress of this group.
PHOTO: Resilience, community spirit and positive thoughts will go a long way in mitigating the stress of this group. Fighting and coping with the coronavirus outbreak is not just a physical or medical challenge but a psychological one as well.
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
Picture posted by Cheow Sue-Ann, sueannc@sph.com.sg, The New Paper on 01 April 2020 at 06:00 am

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-yPbOv53EX0P3lRnmOVNpFNn7xNomzYWqK4WolKyi5i9QVcF1hMd-50utEiQb5h-J2yq89n3Db9FwwDgvw046aQt9Lz1D1BLmxAoftR2rGlFB7vD4CSVxvWL2NxGcgCXybytGcy_N7c/s1600/istock-538044358.jpg
https://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl780/public/articles/2020/04/01/istock-538044358.jpg?itok=ukl4bikD
https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/covid-19-could-take-toll-peoples-mental-health-say-experts



Health experts and psychologists acknowledge that the battle with Covid-19 could potentially affect the well-being of some people here.

Taken to the extreme, this could even make them anxious, depressed and even fearful.

However, while the experts said that the current climate is challenging for all, resilience, community spirit and positivity can go a long way in mitigating the difficulties.

So too can support from family, friends and the larger community, like employers and the Government, in the form of schemes such as the recently announced Resilience Budget.

Other measures to support households, including the Care and Support Package, as well as a commitment to ensure a stable supply of essential health products and food commodities, also go a long way to alleviate stressors faced by Singaporeans.



Support from family, friends and the larger community, like employers and the Government, in the form of schemes such as the recently announced Resilience Budget can go a long way in mitigating the difficulties.
PHOTO: Support from family, friends and the larger community, like employers and the Government, in the form of schemes such as the recently announced Resilience Budget can go a long way in mitigating the difficulties.
Picture posted by Zachary B. Wolf, CNN on 21 March 2020

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-QYuHJJA__ZxaDK5w04HhQuo_L97lzqlPzhyphenhyphenLF7_2w_2_8azo-xyBNq9CQWg541LMbGoA5i9VALytit9aM82q-jyhfrVzT-r6ks51j6HhNfTBHOq1WGNhtFRNoxntpqRn2TIK6a_3EM/s1600/200324160941-coronavirus-domestic-violence-super-169_1.jpg
https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/200324160941-coronavirus-domestic-violence-super-169.jpg
https://flipboard.com/article/trump-will-be-judged-on-one-thing-now----and-it-won-t-be-impeachment/f-8ba64dc6a7%2Fcnn.com



Yesterday, the Monetary Association of Singapore (MAS) and the financial sector introduced measures that will allow individuals to apply to their banks and insurers to defer repayment of property loans, as well as premium payments for life and health insurance plans.

There will also be further assistance to small and medium sized enterprises.

Dr Jessie Chua, senior clinical psychologist at Resilienz Clinic, told The New Paper her clinic has seen a rise in the number of students with stress and anxiety concerns.

She said: "Many, especially those taking major examinations, are facing extreme stress and anxiety, particularly due to the uncertainty they are constantly facing."



Dr Jessie Chua, senior clinical psychologist at Resilienz Clinic, told The New Paper her clinic has seen a rise in the number of students with stress and anxiety concerns.
PHOTO: Dr Jessie Chua, senior clinical psychologist at Resilienz Clinic, told The New Paper her clinic has seen a rise in the number of students with stress and anxiety concerns.
Photo from Marco Di Lauro/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Picture posted by Kaitlyn Wylde on 19 March 2020

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFHpRi9Qq6AABHVtrfxAxr1peah2AOW0hd3dAem956ZEqS_K0svac7klUxyTJ2tegVR_ANxWa4SAmqr3bsxBvaP4SelPiaEKdC7MMcjamSQvcGe2KYIqo1yQsAh0QZo3TkyhveNZGnqA/s1600/1203963502_1.png
https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/getty/2020/2/28/dee80520-0946-4a26-baec-8522ff142f5a-getty-1203963502.jpg?w=970&h=546&fit=crop&crop=faces&auto=format%2Ccompress&cs=srgb&q=70
https://www.bustle.com/p/expert-twitter-accounts-for-coronavirus-covid-19-updates-22419348



Dr Chua said the fear of contact has also possibly added a barrier for those who need to seek help.

"Many don't dare to leave their homes and won't come to the clinic or reach out for help - particularly the older folks," she said.

Psychologist Evonne Lek said the Covid-19 crisis has created a combination of economic and financial instability, and there has been a severe disruption of habit and the normal structure of life.

The usual worry over health has become doubly concerning, epecially for those with underlying health issues, experts stressed.

ADDITIONAL STRESS
Psychotherapist Jennifer Wickham told TNP: "People who have struggled with addiction in the past will have the additional stressor of being isolated and potentially unable to get to the support resources they have used to remain sober in the past.



Psychologist Evonne Lek said the Covid-19 crisis has created a combination of economic and financial instability, and there has been a severe disruption of habit and the normal structure of life.
PHOTO: Psychologist Evonne Lek said the Covid-19 crisis has created a combination of economic and financial instability, and there has been a severe disruption of habit and the normal structure of life.
Picture posted by Al-Nahar on 1 April 2020 at 14:52

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVqHtThkwgGVOBpQUKhn8nH0uzP9IA2PMSziuJ8IKeBuZE1joB8EqQ1YsDDYdGS_BrVgZjZ92cvds9ypjFf6EG5qFkaP4IomaDuyRX0wA6XBjrDIO-1myNv5zD8FPNwYoIg0Dbpoi4qE/s1600/bd95e5d2c169464caaa908ef3ace25e9_18_523135_highres_1.jpg
https://static2.annahar.com/storage/attachments/1157/bd95e5d2c169464caaa908ef3ace25e9_18_523135_highres.jpg
https://www.annahar.com/article/1156243-5-طرق-للحفاظ-على-صحتك-العقلية-أثناء-انتشار-كورونا



"Financial concerns and loss of security can also contribute to relapse of drug and alcohol use."

Mr Gasper Tan, chief executive of Samaritans of Singapore, said having a strong social network plays an important role in such times. The more one feels connected, the less likely they are to suffer , he said.

For Ms Wickham, some of the impact of the fear and uncertainty has already manifested itself.

She cited hoarding and panic buying in supermarkets as examples of people acting on their fears at the instability and uncertainty they face.

Experts said that while the media can provide useful and accurate information, too much information can also create confusion and panic.



Experts said that while the media can provide useful and accurate information, too much information can also create confusion and panic.
PHOTO: Experts said that while the media can provide useful and accurate information, too much information can also create confusion and panic.
Picture posted by Alia Chughtai on 30 Mar 2020 at 10:30 GMT

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVeFG-GvofaXFHn3uYdmICw4Bk_51ufR3DjKZk5fkn3JhalhNmrb1YHwqiFdquTh_wJhfOe9eQYtuPRbVcwMJRbylVUC-esQ6jY2oNh5kHMMbBCn45xX07yBigel12DPDUavYnlsHoWQ/s1600/8e7dc2d8b92342398c235de3ed0c7adf_6.jpg
https://www.aljazeera.com/mritems/Images/2020/3/24/8e7dc2d8b92342398c235de3ed0c7adf_6.jpg
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2020/03/covid-19-charts-maps-200310163714493.html



But Dr Chua said there is already a silver lining many can take from the Covid-19 storm.

"There is more time to be spent with family and in learning to enjoy one's own company," she insisted.

"Often, parents say that their kids have many distractions, but now, with far fewer distractions, and more time together, it's a good opportunity to look inward and bond more."



Health experts and psychologists acknowledge that the battle with Covid-19 could potentially affect the well-being of some people here.
PHOTO: Health experts and psychologists acknowledge that the battle with Covid-19 could potentially affect the well-being of some people here.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28).

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Picture posted by lovethispic.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5POdhnNNyOQ0uJFrlBK_y10OePOXbL8BU6jsw4DBGfzjnoQQS7Yj6WmlIqWnNhiTWU4ANbdfy2le80JdRb1yfnXT8QmPpt_oBIfzTn3smNj3NgSYxHCZdiyXjWgn3bi1NqO4EEqm1Lc/s1600/123368-Heartbroken.jpeg
https://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/123368-Heartbroken.jpg
https://www.lovethispic.com/image/123368/heartbroken


By Cheow Sue-Ann, sueannc@sph.com.sg, The New Paper, 01 April 2020 at 06:00 am
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now




Other stories

Why are there so few coronavirus infections in Singapore's health workers?, posted on Wednesday, 01 April 2020
Why are there so few coronavirus infections in Singapore's health workers?, posted on Wednesday, 01 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/why-are-there-so-few-coronavirus.html

 

Siblings Lucas Low, four; and Hayley Low, eight; clapping in appreciation of Covid-19 frontline workers, at Cantonment Road on March 30, 2020.
Singapore gives coronavirus frontliners a round of applause, posted on Tuesday, 31 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/singapore-gives-coronavirus-frontliners.html

 

Staff at Alexandra Hospital explain urgent need to adapt amid Covid-19, posted on Monday, 30 March 2020
Staff at Alexandra Hospital explain urgent need to adapt amid Covid-19, posted on Monday, 30 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/staff-at-alexandra-hospital-explain.html

 

Coronavirus: China marks major milestone with zero domestic infections, posted on Saturday, 21 March 2020
Coronavirus: China marks major milestone with zero domestic infections, posted on Saturday, 21 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-china-marks-major-milestone.html

 

Japan trip disrupted? View Gardens’ cherry blossom, posted on Thursday, 12 March 2020
Japan trip disrupted? View Gardens’ cherry blossom, posted on Thursday, 12 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/japan-trip-disrupted-view-gardens.html

 

Nowadays go zouk need to wear mask.
Women wear surgical masks to party at Zouk, shows that life goes on, posted on Saturday, 07 March 2020


The difference between the cold and the flu, posted on Friday, 28 February 2020

The difference between the cold and the flu, posted on Friday, 28 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-difference-between-cold-and-flu.html


900 Carousell users join movement to give away free masks and supplies, posted on Friday, 28 February 2020
900 Carousell users join movement to give away free masks and supplies, posted on Friday, 28 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/900-carousell-users-join-movement-to.html


'Nobody knows I work in healthcare': SGH visitor registration staff shares what it's like to work at the frontline, posted on Wednesday, 26 February 2020


'Nobody knows I work in healthcare': SGH visitor registration staff shares what it's like to work at the frontline, posted on Wednesday, 26 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/nobody-knows-i-work-in-healthcare-sgh.html

 
S-hook lady gets real on how Singaporeans are reacting to coronavirus outbreak, posted on Tuesday, 25 February 2020
S-hook lady gets real on how Singaporeans are reacting to coronavirus outbreak, posted on Tuesday, 25 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/s-hook-lady-gets-real-on-how.html



Lerine Yeo flaunted 'big burden', posted on Sunday, 07 October 2018
Lerine Yeo flaunted 'big burden', posted on Sunday, 07 October 2018
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/lerine-yeo-flaunted-big-burden.html



 It started on Sept 21 when someone posted a video of you promoting a top with metal rings as sort of a wearable rack where you can use S-hooks to hang umbrellas, ez-link cards, wanton mee
I'll never eat luncheon meat again thanks to S-hook lady posted on Monday, 01 October 2018
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/ill-never-eat-luncheon-meat-again.html



Singapore's most famous auntie, Liang Ximei, has returned, and this time 'round, she's declaring war on coronavirus.
Singapore's most famous auntie declares war on coronavirus with song, posted on Friday, 21 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/singapores-most-famous-auntie-declares.html

 

So, what do the stories of people shunning our healthcare workers say about us as a country?
Opinion: I have seen nurses abused and it must stop, posted on Saturday, February 15, 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/opinion-i-have-seen-nurses-abused-and.html



Diary of a coronavirus survivor: Wuhan nurse claims she recovered from virus at home, posted on Friday, 14 February 2020
Diary of a coronavirus survivor: Wuhan nurse claims she recovered from virus at home, posted on Friday, 14 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/diary-of-coronavirus-survivor-wuhan.html



Support healthcare workers, don't shun them: Gan Kim Yong, posted on Thursday, 13 February 2020
Support healthcare workers, don't shun them: Gan Kim Yong, posted on Thursday, 13 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/support-healthcare-workers-dont-shun.html



Amidst depressing reports of grocery hoarding and discrimination against healthcare workers, one Singapore dad and his two young daughters are showcasing that kindness still exists.
This made my day: 2 girls deliver comfort food to cheer hospital staff on, posted on Wednesday, 12 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/this-made-my-day-2-girls-deliver.html



Climate, immunity, incompetence? Indonesia's zero recorded coronavirus cases raise questions, posted on Monday, 10 February 2020
Climate, immunity, incompetence? Indonesia's zero recorded coronavirus cases raise questions, posted on Monday, 10 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/climate-immunity-incompetence.html



This made my day: Woman gives out ginger tea with surgical masks – and other kind acts during virus outbreak, posted on Tuesday, 04 February 2020
This made my day: Woman gives out ginger tea with surgical masks – and other kind acts during virus outbreak, posted on Tuesday, 04 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/this-made-my-day-woman-gives-out-ginger.html



'Singapore’s response to virus is testament to resilient society', posted on Monday, 03 February 2020
'Singapore’s response to virus is testament to resilient society', posted on Monday, 03 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/singapores-response-to-virus-is.html



Public should use surgical masks, not N95 masks, to guard against Wuhan virus spread: Experts , posted on Wednesday, 29 January 2020
Public should use surgical masks, not N95 masks, to guard against Wuhan virus spread: Experts , posted on Wednesday, 29 January 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/01/public-should-use-surgical-masks-not.html




Reference
[1] Cheow Sue-Ann, sueannc@sph.com.sg, The New Paper, Covid-19 could take toll on people's mental health, say experts, posted on 01 April 2020 at 06:00 am, https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/covid-19-could-take-toll-peoples-mental-health-say-experts


Links
Apple App Store - https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/the-new-paper/id949361491?mt=8

Google Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sph.mypaperpdf&hl=en


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Matthew 11:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28&version=NIV

Proverbs 3:5-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+3%3A5-6&version=NIV