Tears and fears over COVID-19: More in Singapore seek help for mental health

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SINGAPORE — Growing fears about unemployment and the adequacy of medical or food supplies amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore.

A sense of impending doom and frustration as more safe distancing measures are implemented, blurring the boundaries between work and personal space.

“ the psychological reactions we are seeing during this pandemic are normal responses to this abnormal situation.” As numbers spiral into the thousands, the Singapore government announced the decision to extend the city-state’s partial lockdown for an additional four weeks till 1 June, with tighter controls in place.

Rise in obsessive behavioursOne patient he saw – a middle-aged office worker – had started experiencing panic attacks during the initial days of the pandemic while he was overseas for work. Story continues“The present situation, with all the palpable warnings, has made it difficult to control ritualistic tendencies, such as the excessive washing of hands,” said Praveen.

Similarly, authorities here said they have received more referrals and inquiries related to domestic conflicts than before the start of the circuit breaker period. Much like the teenager, a number of cases who are facing marital issues are forced to stay home together with their partners for possibly months on end during the circuit breaker period, she added. More calls seeking helpHelplines providing counselling services here have also seen an increase in distressed individuals calling in during the outbreak to seek help for their mental health.

Likewise, the number of calls attended to on the Samaritans of Singapore 24-hour hotline rose more than 22 per cent in March, compared with the same period last year, as more callers expressed concerns about the pandemic. Over 300 psychologists, counsellors, social workers, psychiatrists, and trained public officers from some 50 agencies have volunteered to man the hotline.

The data collected will be invaluable for customising programmes and initiatives that may be more targeted, he added. “As practitioners, we know how important the nation needs to receive holistic help. It is evident in natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, disasters like war and pandemics,” she noted.

Gasper stressed that maintaining a strong social connection – be it via social media, texts, or calls – is as important as having a healthy diet and sleep pattern.

 

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