Ever wondered why the person you have always been interacting closely with suddenly turns aloof and distant? Or always on the edge? The coronavirus pandemic has initiated a lot of conversations around mental health. With being away from friends and family, job losses and financial burden, people are finding it tough to deal with isolation and uncertainty.<\/p>\n
Often times those who suffer in silence hesitate to reach out is due to fear of being taken as burden or fear judged more than being understood. Other times, they might not have fully understood that they are struggling with a mental health crisis.<\/p>\n
In order to be there for your loved ones, there are signs that you can look for:<\/p>\n
Not participating as usual in conversations and actively interacting socially.<\/p>\n
\u201cSnapping\u201d easily and constantly in an irritable mood.<\/p>\n
Eyes darting around the room, mind wandering, they\u2019re not sitting back relaxed.<\/p>\n
Are you worried a loved one is drinking too much? Using substances, such as drugs, to cope can be a warning sign.<\/p>\n
Often saying \u201cthere is nothing more to live for\u201d, \u201chope is just distant to me\u201d. Dreary and discouraged resulting from sustained dullness or futility.<\/p>\n
Sleeping too much or too little? Persisting changes to a person\u2019s sleep patterns could be a symptom of a mental illness.<\/p>\n
Especially if the subject us something they\u2019d ordinarily be passionate about.<\/p>\n
Trying extra hard to satisfy others but unable to feel anything but numb.<\/p>\n
Unemployment, separation (family and own), moving to a new place can be overwhelming if no support is given.<\/p>\n
Often, it is not a single change but a combination. The following 10 signs are not to help diagnose a mental health issue, but to reassure that there might be a good reason to seek more information about your concerns. Even though we find it hard to cope with our usual life events, people who suffer from mental health issues may be going through even more. If you know someone who exhibits these signs, please check in on them and make time for deeper conversation.<\/p>\n
Where to get help?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re concerned about a friend or loved one, ask them how you can help. The first step for a person with symptoms of a mental illness is to see a doctor or other healthcare professional.<\/p>\n Hotline numbers:<\/p>\n KL: 03-7956 8145 (24 hours);<\/p>\n Ipoh: 05-547 7933 (4pm to 11pm);<\/p>\n Penang: 04-281 5161 (3pm to midnight)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Malaysian Mental Health Association<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Contact Number:03-2780 6803<\/p>\n E-Mail: admin@mmha.org.my<\/p>\n Website: https:\/\/mmha.org.my\/<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Life Line Association Malaysia.<\/strong><\/p>\n Counselling Hotline: 03-42657995.<\/p>\n