THE number of people seeking mental health help post-pandemic has increased by 30%, psychologists said.

They said this is due to changes in living arrangements as well as increased stress and pressures brought about by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Clinical psychologist Dr Rahmatullah Khan Abdul Wahab Khan said those seeking help include people facing stress at work, couples, and children. Some have exhibited suicidal tendencies.

This, he said, was due to the sudden change in the working and learning environments enforced by the lockdowns, which had cut them off from physical interactions.

“When they work from home, their routine is upset,” Rahmatullah told The Malaysian Insight.

“Work-from-home arrangements also mean bosses call their employees at all times of the day and expect more output.

“Women feel more burdened as they are expected to take care of the children and cook as well.”

Marriage counselling

Psychologist Prof Dr Tan Chee Seng, who is the founder of Dawning Spiritual Growth Centre, said consultations had increased by 30% while counselling sessions for couples are up by 10%.

“After April, the number of consultations went up. Students, for example, are feeling anxious about returning to physical classes,” Tan said.

“They are afraid they will not be able to keep up in class and mingle socially.”

Two years of remote learning also means students have stunted communication skills, he said.

“They come to us for help because they don’t have the skills to get along with others.”

While there is an increase in the number of people seeking help, Tan said many Malaysians are still unaware that mental healthcare is available.

“People are hesitant about seeing a psychologist. While more people are seeking help now, most still don’t believe in seeing a help for mental health problems.”

When it comes to couples, Tan said a lack of communication is often the root of the problem.

Being cooped up at home is also the perfect breeding ground for mental health problems, he said.

Tan said those experiencing insomnia and mood swings should seek help.

“You can’t rely on yourself to solve psychological problems. You should seek professional help.”

Rahmatullah agreed society is still highly conservative when it comes to dealing with mental health issues.

Many do not consider mental health problems to be a disease, he said.

Traditional Chinese cures

Malaysian Chinese Medical Association adviser Yong Wee Seong said many have turned to traditional medicine for aid with mental health issues.

He said many of those who seek treatment suffer from financial, work and family pressures, which ultimately affect their digestion and immune system.

“The stress and lack of activity will cause problems with the spleen and stomach and lead to short tempers.

“In the past, people sought traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for pain, but now they come for depression and other mental issues.”

The number of children coming for TCM is also on the rise, Yong said.

“Most patients are usually senior citizens, but now we are seeing a 20% increase in child patients.” – August 6, 2022.