People need mental strength: Dr Ambi

By LULU MARK
THE increase in the number of calls received on the Covid-19 mental health hotline proves that there are many people who need mental strengthening during the Covid-19 crisis, a doctor says.
Dr Uma Ambi, the acting director of the Social Change and Mental Health directorate, said they received around 850 calls since the hotline 7907 4944 was set up on March 25.
This compares to the 300 calls recorded up to April 29.
Dr Ambi said the number of calls increased as more people became aware of the help available to them.
“We get calls (from individuals and communities) from throughout the country,” she said.
“Most of them are calling with a little bit of acute stress disorder (meaning) they were worried and anxious about what was going to happen with all that was happening around them.”
She said “talking to us help them” feel better.
“Talking is one way of reducing stress,” she said.
“When people are isolated and cannot talk to anyone, the stress builds up.”
She said the hotline had been very useful.
“We did counselling, consultation and gave them muscle relaxation techniques and guide them through it, so that was able to reset their mind and strengthen it,” she said.
“Many of them want to get the right information which we were able to provide.”
The directorate has also been able to reach more people through the PNG Hour of Hope on NBCTV/Radio.
Dr Ambi said the hotline was operating on funding provided by four psychiatrists.
“Please call us if you are feeling overwhelmed and need to talk.
“We are here and our service is free of charge.”
She said the World Health Organisation materials on mental health were used in the Covid-19 response.