KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Fitness Coalition whole-heartedly welcomes the prime minister’s recent announcement where he acknowledged the toll pandemic restrictions have taken on people’s mental health, and that sports and social activities will be among the privileges for those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Apart from the steady increase of daily Covid-19 cases, there is the increasing trend of suicides in Malaysia.
According to statistics from the Royal Malaysian Police, there were 468 suicide cases in the first five months of this year, up from an annual total of 631 cases in 2020 and 609 in 2019.
This translates to an average of three suicides per day between January and May this year.
Even before the pandemic, the 2019 National Health and Morbidity survey showed that mental health problems were already on the rise, and it has only been exacerbated since the pandemic.
Statistics from The Befrienders show that 34% of the calls received between 18 March and 16 May last year were linked to the impacts of Covid-19, while the Ministry of Health reported receiving about 43,000 calls on its Psychological First Aid hotline between 28 March and 1 December 2020.
A research paper titled ‘Escalating progression of mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a nationwide survey’ showed an increase in depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms throughout the study period, with depression rates showing the greatest increase.
Data from the Women and Family Development Ministry and NGOs attending to domestic violence cases showed a spike in domestic violence cases since the start of MCO1 and the Ministry’s Talian Kasih hotline saw a 57% increase in calls from women in distress.
“It is during times of high stress like this that we believe people should be exercising more, not less,” said Bruno Wilhelm, member of the Malaysian Fitness Coalition.
“Unfortunately, following the closure of gyms and similar fitness facilities during the various Movement Control Orders as well as Enhanced Movement Control Orders where individuals are prohibited from walking, jogging, or even cycling outside, we have started hearing of people who have gone from being ‘seasoned fitness enthusiasts’ to ‘seasonal fitness enthusiasts’,
“For people who are used to being physically active, being cooped up inside can be torture. Also, for people who may live in cramped quarters, not having a healthy outlet to channel their energy or frustrations poses an increased risk for mental health issues.”
“The benefits of exercise and physical activity are well documented. Physical activity is important in helping us deal with the daily stress of life, prevent mental illness such as depression, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, and also to help improve mental health . Physical activity also enhances psychological well-being by improving mood and sleep quality, as well as reducing levels of anxiety and fatigue,” said another member of the Coalition, Andrew Phillips.
Here’s how physical activity could improve our state of mind:
1. Supporting neurotransmitters
Exercise may boost the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and some cognitive function.
2. Boosting endorphins
Exercise can give you a short term burst of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that block pain and produce a natural ‘high.
3. Reducing inflammation
Many types of exercise can lower inflammation, a potential cause of depression.
4. Decreasing stress
Exercise can be a great antidote to stress, which research has linked to depression, perhaps owing to the body’s inflammatory stress response.
“In short, exercise makes us happier, and helps to improve our mental state. We firmly believe that fitness is a part of the solution in Malaysia’s long-term fight against not just Covid-19, but also its national health agenda. Whether it is mental health issues, non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular problems, or obesity; increasing the presence of antibodies post-vaccination as well as reducing risk of contracting severe Covid, fitness and regular physical activity is the answer.” added Phillips.
“We reiterate our call for the government to prioritise the reopening of gyms and fitness facilities at the earliest possible opportunity in order that the rakyat can get back on track with their fitness regimes.
"We wish to also reiterate that the gym and fitness industry has enviable low on-site transmission rates, leading to zero clusters – testament to the fact that when SOPs are adhered to by staff and members alike, gym can be safe spaces to exercise,” fellow Coalition member Raheem Hamilton concluded. - The Vibes. July 27, 2021
