BOOK TRIAL
search icon
Medical

Maintaining mental health during COVID-19

June 4, 2020

 

Brighter Skin 3

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us – imposing sudden changes in our lives, causing fears about our health, job and finances, as well as the loss of social connections. It is not surprising that the number of calls made to mental health hotlines both in Singapore and globally has gone up substantially, as reported by the Straits Times.

 

Straits Times

 

A degree of sadness or anxiety can be normal – and is part of the process of grieving our pre-pandemic way of life that we took for granted, and moving towards acceptance of the new normal.

 

However, if the intensity of sadness or anxiety is overwhelming, and you notice other changes such as insomnia, irritability, inability to function, and loss of interest in activities or appetite – it is recommended to seek professional attention.

 

 

Here are some tips to boost your mental health:

  • Be aware of and recognise your feelings, emotions, and thoughts about the current situation. This will make it easier to come to terms with the changes that have occurred.

 

  • Reframe the situation. Many of us tend to think the worst when things happen beyond our control. Instead, ask yourself if your response is out of proportion to the situation. Think back on other situations where you did not think you would get through, but managed to overcome.

 

Reframe the situation

 

  • Create an everyday routine. Routines and to-do lists set a structure and pattern to the days and weeks, which help to reduce anxiety. Children also do better on a familiar routine of learning and play time. Remember to set aside time for self-care and relaxation.

 

  • Daily movement – research has shown that daily movement – exercise, dancing, brisk walking, or even stretching – releases endorphins which help to alleviate stress and elevate our mood. It is also good for health!

 

Daily movement

 

  • Limit time spent on news and social media. Endless scrolling through news updates on COVID-19 may create more anxiety. Set an alarm to alert you to the time limit if necessary.

 

Limit time spent on news and social media

 

  • Try relaxation techniques. When we are anxious or stressed, we tend to take shallow breaths, which in turn prime us to feel more anxious. Deep breathing exercises help your body to relax, and are also effective for promoting sleep. Try this: inhale as deep as possible while counting to 5, hold your breath for 5 counts, then exhale completely for 5 counts, and repeat the cycle a few times.

 

  • Catch up with family or friends. While we are not able to physically meet our friends or extended family, it is easy to chat with them via video chats or a phone call. As humans are social creatures, it is important to keep in touch with others.

 

Catch up with family or friends

 

  • Religious support. If you have a particular faith belief, spend some extra time this circuit-breaker period to pray, read, and connect with others.

 

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to friends for a listening ear. There are also many avenues available for help.

 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

 

 

 

Useful Hotlines & Links

 

  • Psychological and social help – If you are facing overwhelming sadness, anxiety, distress, or problems at home, please seek help at one of the hotlines below:

 

Community Psychology Hub Online Counselling: https://www.cphonlinecounselling.sg/

Fei Yue Community Services Online Counselling: www.ec2.sg

National Care Hotline: 6202-6868

Samaritans of Singapore (24 hour): 1800-221-4444

IMH Mental Health Helpline: 3689-2222

Suggested Articles

OUR CLINICS

AESTHETIC

Healthsprings Laser & Aesthetic Clinic

  • icon 1

    541 Orchard Rd, #11-01/04 Liat Towers, Singapore 238881

  • mobile icon

    9728 2861

  • icon 3

    6836 8386

  • icon 4

    Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm
    Saturday: 9am to 1pm.
    Sun/Public holiday: Close

MEDICAL

Healthsprings Medical Associates

  • icon 1

    541 Orchard Road #10-02, Liat Towers Singapore 238881

  • mobile icon

    9728 7793

  • icon 3

    6734 5260

  • icon 4

    Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
    Saturday: 9am to 1pm.
    Sun/Public holiday: Close

MEDISPA

Healthsprings Aesthetics

  • icon 1

    541 Orchard Road #10-01A, Liat Towers Singapore 238881

  • mobile icon

    9088 8775

  • icon 3

    6262 3660

  • icon 4

    Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm
    Saturday: 9am to 1pm.
    Sun/Public holiday: Close

MEDICAL

Healthsprings Medical Clinic

  • icon 1

    524A, Greenridge Shopping Centre, #02-01, Jelapang Road, Singapore 671524

  • mobile icon

    8799 8936

  • icon 3

    6892 6681

  • icon 4

    Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 8am to 4pm, 6pm to 9pm

    Wednesday & Friday: 8am to 4pm

    Saturday:  8.30am to 1 pm
    Sun/Public holiday:  Close

AESTHETIC

Aesthetics @ Healthsprings

  • icon 1

    524A, Greenridge Shopping Centre, #02-02, Jelapang Road, Singapore 671524

  • mobile icon

    8799 8936

  • icon 3

    6892 0789

  • icon 4

    Monday to Thursday: 9am to 5pm, 6pm to 9pm
    Friday: 9am to 5pm
    Saturday:  9am to 1pm
    Sun/Public holiday:  Close

MEDICAL & AESTHETIC

Healthsprings Medical & Laser Clinic

  • icon 1

    105A Bidadari Park Drive

    #01-09 Singapore 341105

  • mobile icon

    8616 6166

  • icon 3

    6970 7933

  • icon 4

    Monday to Friday: 8.30am-4pm
    Saturday: 8.30am-1pm
    Sun/Public holiday: Close

MEDISPA

Healthsprings Aesthetics

  • icon 1

    105A Bidadari Park Drive #01-08 Singapore 341105

  • mobile icon

    8338 8800

  • icon 3

    6908 1033

  • icon 4

    Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm
    Saturday: 9am to 6pm
    Sun/Public holiday: Close

Healthsprings was established in 2000 with its first medical clinic located at Bukit Panjang. In 2001, the company ventured into the medical aesthetic field and has been offering Lasers, Peels, Fillers, Botulinum Injections and other aesthetic services. In 2008, Healthsprings Laser and Aesthetic is opened in Orchard Road and has been known to specialise in different aesthetic procedures for the skin, face, body, and hair.

Read More ...

    ENQUIRY / BOOK APPOINTMENT

    RECENT POST

    Celebrate this CNY Reunion Dinner with Heng Ong Huat Healthy Food 2024

    February 1, 2024

      As the vibrant hues of the Chinese New Year paint the town red, it’s an auspicious time to embark on a mindful culinary journey. […]

    READ MORE read more icon

    Are you at risk of Sarcopenia?

    November 29, 2023

    What is Sarcopenia? Sarcopenia is a condition characterised by progressive and generalised loss of muscle mass and strength, often related to aging. Individuals with Sarcopenia […]

    READ MORE read more icon

    President’s Certificate of Commendation (COVID-19)

    August 8, 2023

      Healthsprings Medical is honoured to receive the President’s Certificate of Commendation for our efforts in the fight against COVID-19.   This recognition inspires us […]

    READ MORE read more icon