Mental Health is Important, Reach Out If You Need Help During MCO

By Ammar Haziq  •  25 Mar 2020 in News

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While some of people complain about being bored and running out of TikTok vids to consume in the comfort of our beds, for others, the current situation is one that deteriorates their mental health.

The All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) warns that the Covid-19 situation could cause rising stress levels that lead to violence. “Having to consider taking out EPF contributions, job insecurity, staying cooped up with the family and worrying about the virus will not make it easy to stay rational and calm,” the NGO said in a press statement on Tuesday (24 March)

AWAM added these rising stress levels from shortage of funds and lack of social interactions can lead to more frequent clashes that lead to a violent situation, especially if we’re not careful about managing the levels of stress, pressure and anxiety. Women make up many marginalised groups in the country, and in times of crisis such as this, are made even more vulnerable.

“It is in these times that gender-based violence occurs more frequently, especially with survivors of domestic violence trapped in closed quarters with their perpetrator,” AWAM said in the statement.

To break the cycle of violence, the NGO encourages people to seek help if needed. Of course, that is easier said than done.

However, AWAM added that there are many organisations (including them) that can assist all who are going through a difficult time – even during the MCO.

AWAM provides free counselling and legal information services to all.

They’re offering the use of their helpline to anyone who needs ‘someone to talk to’, such as those distressed by the news of the disease, agitated staying at home, fearful of the disease, and even those whose families are on the frontlines.

To speak on the phone, you can email them at [email protected] and they will call you back, or reach Awam on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a quick chat.

You can also reach the following organisations for help:

Befrienders KL – 03-7956-8145

Sisters in Islam – 011-2370 1006 (Hotline/Whatsapp)

Women’s Aid Organisation – 03-7956-3488 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA at 018-988-8058