LettersHong Kong third wave: we can beat pandemic fatigue

Name: Mental health during Covid-19: ‘Be patient and kind to yourself’ as plans fall through
Uploaded: 2020-08-08T05:00:08.000Z
Duration: 5 min 42 s
Description: Mental health during Covid-19: ‘Be patient and kind to yourself’ as plans fall through

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A table for one at a restaurant at the Hong Kong International Airport on July, as social distancing measures continue. Photo: Winson Wong

Letters

Published: 1:00pm, 8 Aug 2020Updated: 1:00pm, 8 Aug 2020

With the Covid-19 pandemic still raging, it has been nearly eight months that the world has been on high alert in the fight against the novel coronavirus. Hand hygiene, social distancing and mask wearing have almost become second nature to everyone.

However, aside from the physical well being, mental health deserves as much attention in the current pandemic, as the constantly looming threat of infection, coupled with people’s own anxiety, may take a toll.

The fact that there is currently neither a cure nor vaccine for Covid-19 means we need to exercise tremendous self-discipline and vigilance, which could give rise to feelings of frustration, annoyance and exhaustion after such a long period of heightened awareness of the risks: what some have termed as pandemic fatigue.

Pandemic fatigue may induce people to lower their guard after months of being bombarded with information on the latest trends and volume of infection, as they tire of having to stay home, wear masks and practise social distancing. Over time, they may get desensitised to the risk of exposure to the virus and lower their guard, by pulling down masks and venturing out for non-essential purposes.

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Mental health during Covid-19: ‘Be patient and kind to yourself’ as plans fall through

Acting out because of negative emotions not only puts people at higher risk of infection, but may also invite ridicule and finger-pointing, hence exacerbating their mental stress. Again, as social distancing also means reduced interaction with friends and loved ones, those unable to share their feelings may develop insomnia and suffer added stress.