THERE has been a marked increase in the number of people seeking mental health support since the movement-control order (MCO) took effect, said the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA).

It recorded 165 calls from those looking for such support from April to June – a 20% increase from the pre-MCO period, which saw 137 calls from January to March.

MMHA president Dr Andrew Mohanraj told The Malaysian Insight that the overall statistics from public sector and civil society services pointed to a greater number of people requiring mental health support for stress, anxiety and depression linked to financial losses, potential job cuts and isolation while under Covid-19 lockdown.

“MMHA has recorded a significant increase in patients calling in for support, including psychological and counselling support, as well as psychiatric advice.

“Personally, I’ve had an increase in clients reaching out to me, and MMHA’s subsidised services, too, have seen a sharp increase in client uptake.”

There is uncertainty as to the progression of mental illness and concerns about what the future holds for individuals, their loved ones and society as a whole, he said.

“We have also encountered cases with symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout, as well as stigma against front-line medical workers.”

He said stress due to financial woes, the loss of jobs and education opportunities and uncertainty about one’s mental health is common among clients.

In April, a study by think-tank The Centre saw half of its 1,084 respondents reporting mental health issues.

It found that 22% experienced severe or extremely severe anxiety, with women and people under 35 suffering especially high levels of negative emotions during the MCO, which was implemented from March 18 to June 9.

Befrienders Kuala Lumpur, a non-profit mental health service, reported an increase in calls in March after the lockdown came into force.

Executive director Kenny Lim said the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent implementation of the MCO have affected many people in various ways, including their mental health.

In the first week of movement controls, the group registered a 13% spike in calls, of which 9% were related to Covid-19 or the lockdown.

Malaysia has seen several suicide attempts in the last few months linked to pandemic-related issues.

In April, a Sarawakian staying at a hotel in Sibu jumped out of a first-floor window after depleting his funds and being unable to return to his hometown of Kapit.

Earlier this month, a 35-year-old man killed himself by leaping off the 12th floor of a condominium in Bandar Kinrara, Serdang, after losing his pilot job with a local airline.

Andrew said the government has done well to mitigate the impact of the pandemic by providing financial aid, imposing health and safety measures, and providing accurate, clear and consistent situation reports.

However, he said, Putrajaya must be proactive when it comes to promoting good mental health, whether at the workplace or in schools and households.

“The burden of the disease that is depression is going to be so significant that it will soon be the No. 1 cause of disability among working adults as measured by DALY (disability-adjusted life years), resulting in a tremendous decline in productivity and financial losses.

“We need to come up with a plan to promote mental health resilience among youth, who are the future of our country.

“At the same time, we need to increase awareness on mental health issues, and tackle the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health needs.”

For this to materialise, a multisectoral approach is required, he said.

The country is in the recovery MCO, under which most businesses are allowed to operate and people can freely move around. Enforcement continues to ensure public compliance with Health Ministry standard operating procedures. – August 15, 2020.