Global Health Asia-Pacific July 2020 July 2020 | Page 78

SPONSORED FEATURE MENTAL HEALTH IS PRESERVED WEALTH Dear Readers, Warm Greetings from Malaysia Healthcare. I hope that you are all doing well and keeping safe with your loved ones amidst the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been a surreal journey, this year, to witness how the world is battling a common enemy together! We in Malaysia are fortunate to have a strong and experienced governing team who were swift to act in curbing the spread of this outbreak. However, as we actively flattened the COVID-19 curve, we have come to realise that a different health threat has become a growing concern - our Mental Health. COVID-19 has brought about so much instability, it is undeniable how our morale has been affected globally. Even without these sudden new changes, the World Health Organization (WHO) tells us that one in four people around the world will be affected by mental health issues at some point in their lives and to date, we have 450 million people affected. Thankfully in Malaysia, the Ministry of Health along with Mercy Malaysia (a non-profit organisation focusing on providing medical relief, sustainable health related development and risk reduction activities for vulnerable communities in both crisis and non-crisis situations) have acted quickly in providing mental health support for our people. This platform serves as a safe and confidential place for anyone to reach out for help, including Malaysia’s marvellous healthcare frontliners who have also been mentally affected by the pandemic. Mental health issues are difficult to identify and the lack of understanding only makes it more complex. Anyone suffering from mental health issues could display signs ranging from varying expressions of fear, anxiety, and depression, to more aggressive behaviour such as anger, alcohol or drug abuse, and even suicide. Sometimes, the symptoms appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains (Source: Mayo Clinic). Hence, as we continue fighting COVID-19, we must pull our weight and battle Mental Health issues together! Look for silver linings, a few things we can be grateful for during this time of uncertainty. Incorporate some endorphin boosters into our daily lifestyle, such as exercising or simply staying digitally connected with loved ones. Reach out for professional help if you find yourself manifesting symptoms relating to mental health issues. Remember, there is no problem that is too small to seek help for. Lifestyles and our day-to-day norms have changed as we embrace the “new normal” way of life. Most of us have now adapted and are accustomed to working from within the comfort and safety of our homes. Malaysia Healthcare too is changing the way we operate in abiding by new rules and laws set to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the uncertainties, Malaysia Healthcare continues to drive more initiatives such as the Medical Travel Media Awards 2020 (Recognising Excellence in Journalism) and insigHT2020 (Collaboration for Excellence). With the new normal in place, these events have taken on an exciting new format, putting your safety as our utmost priority. So do keep an eye out for these events slated to take place at the end of the year! Lastly, I am most thankful for the amazing commitment rendered by our Government, our astounding healthcare frontliners, and cooperative citizens. With Malaysia demonstrating exceptional healthcare services and effective management of COVID-19, we stay true to our identity as the World’s Healthcare Marvel. Let us continue doing our part in adhering to the new regulations and safety measures. United, we will prevail in eradicating this pandemic. Till next time, stay safe, stay healthy, stay connected and please remember to take good care of your mental health. If we can’t love our marvellous selves, then how will we love others? Thank you. #kitamenangsamasama #kitajagakita Sherene Azli has been the CEO of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council since 2015. She has over 16 years of experience in strategic business development. Malaysia Healthcare Call Centre: [phone] (Outside Malaysia) | 1-800 188 688 (Within Malaysia) Email: [email protected] www.malaysiahealthcare.org /malaysiahealthcare.org MalaysiaHealthcare