Pandemic ‘stressful’

THE coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic period can be stressful for many people but they must not shy away from seeking help, a doctor says.
Directorate of social change and mental health service acting director Dr Uma Ambi said to help people cope with stress during this period a hotline (7907 4944) would be open from 8.30am to 3.30pm from Monday to Friday.
Dr Ambi said anyone could call in and the mental health team would be available to help.
“This is a time for us to protect ourselves and be supportive of others, it is a time to give a hand,” she said.
“Assisting others in their time of need can benefit the person receiving support as well as the helper.”
Dr Ambi said one should find opportunities to amplify the voices, positive stories and positive images of local people who had experienced Covid-19 and had recovered or who had supported a loved one through recovery and were willing to share their experience.
She added that the caretakers and healthcare workers supporting people affected with Covid-19 in the community needed to be honoured.
Dr Ambi said healthcare workers, team leaders, emergency response teams, child-caretakers were vulnerable.
“Let’s help them,” she said.
“Covid-19 has and is likely to affect people from many countries, in many geographical locations.
“Don’t attach it to any ethnicity or nationality.
“Be empathetic to those who got affected, in and from any country.”