Most will get over the mental health effects of the pandemic, say experts

This too shall pass, and most people will get over the psychological effects from the pandemic, say mental health experts. — 123rf.com

PEOPLE will likely experience lingering psychological effects from the pandemic.

But this too shall pass – and the good news is most will get over such issues in due time, say mental health experts.

Malaysian Psychological Association president Assoc Prof Dr Wan Shahrazad Wan Sulaiman says mental health issues from the pandemic can be prolonged.

“There is no vaccine for the mental health impacts of Covid-19.

“Economically, people still worry about future consequences and financial challenges caused by the pandemic.

“But such psychological states may change with the situation and environment,” she says.

This includes the Covid-19 vaccination in Malaysia, which Dr Wan Shahrazad believes has given us hope that the situation will get better.

“Once people see the cases decreasing and vaccination increasing, they may start to feel safe and hopeful that the pandemic can and will end,” she says.

In past pandemics like the Spanish flu and yellow fever, Dr Wan Shahrazad says the mental health effects lasted longer than the physical impact.

But in most cases, mental health issues arising from the pandemic are likely to resolve with time, says Malaysian Mental Health Association president and consultant psychiatrist Professor Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj.

“Human beings are generally resilient and adaptive to challenging situations.

“However, it is important to mitigate these effects by providing adequate psychosocial support so we can collectively get back on our feet as a nation,” he says.

For those who have lost a loved one due to Covid-19 or frontliners who witnessed deaths, Dr Mohanraj says they may develop symptoms that would constitute anxiety disorder or depressive disorder.

“Some may even manifest features of post-traumatic stress disorder, a severe form of trauma and stress-related disorder as seen in surviving soldiers in a war zone.

“In most cases seen in the context of the pandemic, the symptoms are likely to resolve with appropriate intervention,” he says.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Ting Joe Hang says while the number of mental health patients have increased, their issues will not be long lasting.

“The treatment will probably be simple and straightforward in most cases.

“The reason I say this is because the triggering point or stressor is very specific.

“Once the stressor is removed, meaning when Covid-19 becomes endemic and we learn to live with it better, then a lot of patients with anxiety will recover,” he foresees.

However, Dr Ting says anxiety disorders can be prevalent throughout a person’s lifetime, depending on what triggers the illness.

“Like all medical diseases, anxiety disorder is variable in terms of its outcome and treatment response.

“Some will make a complete recovery. Others will experience a fluctuating, or waning course of illness,” he explains.

Dr Ting says there have been many tips on how to manage stress during these times like fixing a routine, exercising and being proud of every small achievement.

“All these tips are helpful and true.

“But in my line of work, I sometimes have to keep my advice to the most simple form: telling people to just remember to attend to their most basic needs during this difficult time.

“This means, when it’s time to eat, eat. When it’s time to rest, rest,” he says.

Dr Ting observes that sometimes, patients get so caught up with juggling work, social media, and family that they forget the most basic of needs.

“Nutrition, hydration, rest, exercise gets totally neglected and that is not okay. Always remember to take care of ourselves,” he advises.