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Letters | Why coronavirus outbreak is a threat to both body and mind
With the novel coronavirus creating an increasing amount of fear and anxiety in Hong Kong, it is more important than ever for everyone to not neglect their mental well-being.
During the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak, Hong Kong unfortunately experienced a sharp increase in mental health diagnoses and in the number of suicides.
At this moment in time, we are not well-equipped enough nor in the right environment to effectively mitigate the stressful circumstances we are all facing as a city.
With work-from-home policies in place, and schools and universities shut until March, isolation and loneliness are of utmost concern. We all have an inherent need to connect with each other and loneliness is a powerful indicator of poor mental well-being.
Amid … memories of Sars, and already low levels of mental well-being from months of social unrest, our community is facing a heightened level of anxiety
Human beings do not like uncertainty – it is not possible to choose to “not worry” about the situation, nor is it right to tell people to do so. However, amid the race to understand the virus, fearmongering messages in the media, memories of Sars, and already low levels of mental well-being from months of social unrest, our community is facing a heightened level of anxiety.
To keep well, stick to a regular sleep routine, exercise (be it outside or within your home), check in with friends and family members, and do something relaxing and enjoyable.
To avoid panic and anxious thoughts, switch off from social media when feeling overwhelmed and stick to reliable sources of news and information.
Fake news rising along with the number of coronavirus cases
Fake news rising along with the number of coronavirus cases
This is not the time to make light of the situation, but these small actions can help mitigate our psychological response to the outbreak, allowing us to be better equipped to cope.
One in seven of us will experience a mental health problem in our lifetime. The threat to our mental health at this point is real, and we all need to make it a priority.
Dr Hannah Reidy, CEO, and Cecilia Yiu, social worker, Mind HK
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