GEORGE TOWN – Being quarantined to prevent the spread of Covid-19 may be easy for some, but could lead to anxiety and depression in others.
Penang Adventist Hospital’s consultant clinical psychologist, Dr Lynne Yong Ee Lin, said mental health issues are on the rise as a result of virus lockdowns and quarantine.
She cited the case of a person under surveillance wearing the pink quarantine wristband who was spotted trying to enter a Mr DIY branch in Balik Pulau with his wife and two children.
Such cases happen when there is uncertainty, and the desire to venture out into the public outweighs the fear of getting caught, she said.
“Feeling isolated is so uncomfortable, so the need for human contact outweighs the danger of getting infected, or even serving jail time.
“It is better than feeling like they are about to go crazy.”
An angle that has not been explored much is educating people on how to better manage themselves under quarantine.
“Stay in touch online,” said Dr Yong.
“Set a routine to wake up, eat, sleep, work, exercise, and follow it.
“Basically, set a schedule so that we know what to expect in a situation where other things are beyond our control.” – The Vibes, March 13, 2021
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