Managing mental health in pandemic Covid-19 and movement control order

• Main Author: Abdul Khaiyom, Jamilah Hanum
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia 2020
• Subjects: BF Psychology; BF511 Affection. Feeling. Emotion; BF636 Applied psychology; BL Religion; RA Public aspects of medicine; RA790 Public Health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine - Mental Health. Mental Illness Prevention
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/83326/13/83326_Managing%20mental%20health%20in%20pandemic%20covid-19.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/83326/7/83326_Managing%20mental%20health%20in%20pandemic%20covid-19%20_scopus.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/83326/19/83326_Managing%20mental%20health%20in%20pandemic%20Covid-19_WOS.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/83326/; http://www.mjms.usm.my/MJMS27042020/14MJMS27042020_SC.pdf

COVID-19 and the Movement Control Order (MCO) may trigger a ‘next wave’ of mental health problems. However, the relationship is not linear. Human psychology also has an impact on the outbreak. Thus, proper strategies to manage human psychology, especially mental health, is very important to break the vicious cycle. This article aims to discuss ways to manage mental health using cognitive-behavioural approaches, mindfulness and spirituality. Specific cognitive-behavioural and mindfulness strategies are listed and suggestions to return to the foundation of human existence are discussed. By practising the cognitive-behavioural, mindfulness, and spirituality strategies described, we may enhance our acceptance, optimism and commitment to prepare for a ‘new or renewed normal’.