Malaysia has reinstated the Movement Control Order, and hopefully, it should be lifted in 4 weeks.
The COVID-19 crisis crippled the world. It has destroyed many facets our lives. No one knows when this crisis will end. Vaccines have been produced, and hopefully, the world will work through this trying time and rise triumphant.
The Lock Down, has become an effective tool in controlling the spread of the Corona Virus. Several countries adopted some form of a Lock Down, or restricted the activities of people in that country to minimise the spread of the Corona Virus. In Singapore, this was called the Circuit Breaker. In Malaysia, it is the Movement Control Order, better known as the MCO.
The Movement Control Order in Malaysia
An article in Free Malaysia Today, highlighted the hidden effects of the Movement Control Order on Mental Health. Its well known that lock down periods, restriction of movement periods have a profound impact on the mental health of people.
The recent Movement Control Order would probably last about four weeks. Of course, as seen with other countries, there will be unemployment, closure of businesses, amongst other facets associated with such a measure.
However, one aspect that needs support is usually overlooked, and that is Mental Health. With social isolation, loss of jobs, dampened profits, movement controls, closure of businesses etc, come anger, anxiety, depression, suicide, violence, hate, fear – please do not take this as an exhaustive list.
The Increase in Deteriorating Mental Health
The article goes on to say that in Malaysia, 266 people committed suicide from March 18 to October 31 last year, with an average of 30 cases per month, or one case per day. A Psychologist from the International Islamic University Malaysia, Lihanna Borhan, goes on to say that mental health issues are expected to rise unless there are effective measures to alleviate them.
Lihanna goes on to say that the country needs to be ready, and it is not possible to predict how bad the cases are likely to be. Suicides, domestic violence and abuse might increase due to the mental health issues brought on during the Movement Control Order.
Malaysian are concerned about their livelihood. The people of Malaysia have followed the procedures during the MCO in 2020, and experienced the ill effects of the Movement Control Order. Businesses were starting up again, and just when they began, Malaysia was hit with another Movement Control Order.
The uncertainty felt in Malaysia by Her people due to the Movement Control Order is definitely unhealthy, which may include a feeling of loneliness, helplessness amongst other emotions. As it is, there are uncertainties abound these days. We do not know what is going to happen tomorrow. To add salt to the wound, the feeling of being alone in these trying times is something no one should go through. A person does not have control over the outcome of what is going to happen, and feeling alone and helpless will just add to the deterioration of mental health.
Lihanna urged the Government of Malaysia to take measures to come up with ways to help alleviate this problem. She urged Government agencies and NGOs to work together to help the country.
We are Social Beings
Former Malaysian Psychological Association President, Goh Chee Leong highlighted that the lack of Social Interaction may lead several mental health issues.
We are social beings and not being to see friends, families and being separated from family members, causes social isolation. The lack of interaction may lead to mental problems, mainly depression and anxiety. There is a risk of mental health issues
Goh Chee Leong, Former President of the Malaysian Psychological Association
Almost 800,000 Malaysians lost their jobs in 2020. Goh goes on to day that there is a possibility of mental health issues within the business community. Workers are concerned about the possibility of unemployment as are businesses concerned about falling profits and closures.
How can Counselling help during the Movement Control Order?
Counselling helps in situations of immediate crisis, and the Movement Control Order, although meant to keep you safe, certainly has its consequences. No one could foresee the implementation of another Movement Control Order, but its implication on life and the results of the effects of isolation is what counselling can help with.
If you are feeling anxiety, depression or other emotions, feelings and mental unwellness during the Movement Control Order and need counselling, please do not hesitate to contact Centre for Psychotherapy.
What can Counselling at Centre for Psychotherapy Do?
Centre for Psychotherapy would like to extend a warm welcome to all our Family and Friends from Malaysia to contact us for Counselling.
Dr. Nisha, who was born in Malaysia, would like to help in whatever way she can. The Centre for Psychotherapy will work with whatever fee is affordable to Clients from Malaysia who approach us for Counselling from today (15th January 2021) till the Movement Control Order is lifted, expected to be in four weeks time. We’d like to do whatever we can.
Please contact us via our Contact Form to make an appointment, or via Whatsapp / Telegram / Signal at +65-91095106. For Clients from Malaysia, please do not use the “Make an Appointment” link as the prices are fixed at the “Make an Appointment” link.
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