MENTAL health plays a very important role for one’s general wellbeing and physical health. Poor mental health may affect non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Therefore, we should take care of both mental and physical wellbeing to stay healthy.

The theme of the World Mental Health Day today – “Mental Health in an Unequal World” – emphasises on mental health for all, in enhancing mental health education, awareness and advocacy.

Mental health issues have been longstanding, and increasing in need during the Covid-19 pandemic. The outbreak has had great impact in economic aspects, especially financial hardship across many industries, many individuals losing jobs, shelters, difficulties putting food on their tables and lack of financial support. These have taken a toll on mental health, increasing stress, anxiety, depression and even suicide.

Social isolation as a result of the virus has left many separated from loved ones who stay far apart. Even those who are staying together under one roof, some are isolated for quarantine, and the fear of contracting the virus is widespread. Those infected with Covid-19, on the other hand, are anxious and worried over the disease – even death. It has become even tougher for those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, more so for families that lost their breadwinners. Not forgetting, the frontline workers who are likely to get burnt out after fighting day and night with the overwhelming workload in treating Covid-19 patients. These have highlighted the importance and tremendous needs for mental health resilience.

According to the American Psychological Association, psychologists defined resilience as the well adaptive process in facing the change, trauma, disaster, threats, or major sources of stress.3 Here are some ways to maintain mental health resilience: 

1. Build connections by prioritising personal and group relationships. It is crucial to talk to a trustworthy and understanding person who genuinely care for us, knowing that we are not alone in challenging times.
2. Keep well by self-care and practising mindfulness. We have to take care of ourselves physically and mentally by choosing a healthier lifestyle and better emotional management, instead of choosing negative outlets that might harm ourselves.
3. Find purpose by acknowledging and accepting our emotions could give us an opportunity for self-discovery to find ways out of the hardship we face. Hence, move towards a realistic goal to make a better change in overcoming the issues and help others as well to eliminate similar situations.
4. Embrace healthy thoughts. Reframing is important as we can choose to see things from the bright side of life. Looking from the positive lens could help us to accept the changes and the challenges can help make us stronger and more hopeful.
5. Seek help. It’s alright to be not okay, seeking help is a brave move in getting closer to a healthier mind and body. We are not alone in this. Reach out to get supported.

A single arrow is easily broken but not a bunch. Hence, mental health resilience is not only meant to be built on individuals alone but, in a whole-society approach in order to move forward together. Social support is vital to keep each other checked and be present for one another, building social cohesion to build a nurturing environment. Choose to be kind to one another to find hope in darkness, to walk through this pandemic together.

In order to cope with the high mental health demands, the Sector of Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Violence and Injury Prevention, Non-Communicable Disease Section, Disease Control Division, Health Ministry has made Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Service (MHPSS) reachable to all. The MHPSS hotlines are 014-3223392/ 011-63996482/ 011-63994236/ 03-29359935. Other hotlines are available here. They have also listed the agencies for food and transport assistance here. For more information about mental health, feel free to visit the Minda Sihat website.

“Come forward to seek help, it is okay to be not okay.” Move forward together for mental health for all as a society, leave no one behind. Where there is unity, there is always victory! – October 10, 2021.

* Dr Yoong Lee Yeen and Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming are based at the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.