BOOK TRIAL
Medical

Maintaining mental health during COVID-19

June 4, 2020

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

  • 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!

 

 

  • 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.

 

 

  • 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.

 

 

  • 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.

 

 

 

 

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

  • 541 Orchard Road #11-01, Liat Towers Singapore 238881

  • 9728 2861

  • 6836 8386

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

MEDICAL

Healthsprings Medical Associates

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

  • 9728 7793

  • 6734 5260

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

MEDISPA

Healthsprings Aesthetic

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

  • 9088 8775

  • 6262 3660

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

MEDICAL

Healthsprings Medical Clinic

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

  • 8799 8936

  • 6892 6681

  • Monday to Thursday:  8am to 4pm, 6pm to 9pm
    Friday:  8am to 4pm
    Saturday:  8.30am to 1 pm
    Sun/Public holiday:  Close

AESTHETIC

Aesthetics @ Healthsprings

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

  • 8799 8936

  • 6892 0789

  • 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

  • 105A Bidadari Park Drive

    #01-09 Singapore 341105

  • 8616 6166

  • 6970 7933

  • Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 4pm

    Saturday: 8.30am to 1pm

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

ADULTS: What Vaccinations Should I Get?

May 11, 2021

Recommended vaccinations for adults The COVID-19 vaccination has shone the spotlight on vaccinations and how they are beneficial in reducing complications from certain infectious diseases. […]

READ MORE

“Tech neck” wrinkles and what can be done to treat them

April 23, 2021

“Tech neck” wrinkles and what can be done to treat them   Most of us pay attention to our face, but the wrinkles on our […]

READ MORE

What Exactly Is Fatty Liver?

April 19, 2021

During health screening, some of you may have heard your doctor use the term “fatty liver”. What exactly is fatty liver? In short, it is […]

READ MORE