IT saddens me yet again to see a viral WhatsApp message on how someone committed suicide in a shopping mall car park. I have said it in the past, and I am reiterating the point – this pandemic will have an affect on the people’s mental health – regardless of whether it is anxiety or stress because of the fear of contracting the virus, losing their jobs, financial woes or even depression due to the falling-ill or loss of a loved one. 

As we read in the news daily, this is becoming more and more common. In fact, in daily clinical practice, I see many patients who come in for other matters but when enquiring further are already showing signs of having depression, anxiety and stress with or without relation to Covid-19. This is indeed worrying. 

What can we do as a society to help?

Do not stigmatise mental health issues. It is a general health issue that can affect anyone – just like the common flu.

Recognise that people who have mental health issues will need time to recover. Support from family and friends is extremely important. 

Recognising someone with symptoms and encouraging them to get an early intervention helps with their speedy recovery. Many often come in late and their treatment becomes extensive.

I have been advocating a mental health screening for all workers during their regular Social Security Organisation health screening but sadly it was not considered. A simple DASS-21 scoring can help with early detection.

I suggest all employers request their workers to take this screening and if needed (indicate if there is an issue brought to your attention at the end of the survey), please do refer them early for a full mental health screening. The 15-minute questionnaire can be found at https://www.thecalculator.co/health/DASS-21-Depression-Anxiety-Stress-Scale-Test-938.html (English) and https://www.ramlimusa.com/questionnaires/depression-anxiety-stress-scale-dass-21-bahasa-malaysia/ (Bahasa Melayu).

If you are reading this, do spare that 15 minutes and get an assessment done by clicking the links above.

If you know anyone or you are suffering from mental health issues, there are physicians you can see to get help. If you would like to seek help but remain anonymous, feel free to contact organisations like the BeFrienders who are there to assist with advice and emotional support. Contact details can be found on their website. 

Seek help early. It makes it easier on the patients and the physicians or psychiatrists!

Stay safe and healthy – physically and mentally. – May 18, 2020.

* Dr. Arvinder-Singh HS is a medical officer with a Masters in Health Research and is currently pursuing a PhD in Community Health. 

* 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.