Mental Notes: Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health During This MCO Period

Counsellor Jackie Yong sheds light on mental health during COVID-19

As Malaysia moved through repeated phases of the Movement Control Order (MCO), many adjusted to a "new normal" — but there was nothing normal about the COVID-19 pandemic itself. People stayed home for long stretches, worried about catching or spreading the virus, while juggling work-from-home stress and the search for work-life balance.

According to a small survey by Malaysian think tank The Centre, almost half of respondents reported being mentally affected by the pandemic. Malay Mail reported that the study, involving 1,084 participants, found many experienced signs of depression, anxiety and stress — with those in smaller, crowded living spaces reporting more severe symptoms.

To understand the impact of COVID-19 and the MCO on mental health, Rojak Daily spoke with counsellor Jackie Yong from BeLive in Psychology .

It’s different for everybody — know where you stand

According to Yong, the impact on mental health differs from person to person, but the most common problems are psychological stress, anxiety, constant frustration and depressive moments.

On managing stress, Yong noted that deep breathing and healthy distraction are common approaches, alongside acceptance.

The struggles of working from home

Working from home combines two types of stress in one space — work stress and home-related stress — increasing the risk of burnout. Yong identified early signs of burnout as losing one’s temper more easily, avoidance, and fatigue.

Children and teenagers are affected differently

Yong, whose career has focused on counselling adolescents, explained that the lockdown trapped children and teens at home during a life stage full of energy — adolescents in particular missed time with friends more than family.

He noted that younger children tend to be more honest with parents, while teenagers listen more to friends — making trust-building especially important.

Handling isolation, and continuing existing treatment

For those living alone, Yong recommended engaging with online communities and virtual activities — while it doesn’t replace human connection, it can help beat loneliness. For those already receiving treatment for depression, anxiety or other conditions, he advised continuing to engage with therapists and practising the skills already taught.

Help is just a call or a few clicks away

Yong closed with a reminder that professional support remained available throughout the pandemic — online, by phone, and in special circumstances, face to face — including free hotlines such as Befrienders (03-7956 8145) and Talian Kasih (15999).

Just remember this: you are not alone.