MOH: Covid-19 Frontliners Will Undergo Depression Tests To Understand Their Stress Levels

The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on a lot of us whether its physically, emotionally or even mentally. More than the general public, the ones who probably had the most to go through were our frontliners.

Even before the Movement Control Order, doctors, nurses, members of PDRM and ATM were working around the clock to treat patients and make sure Malaysians obey necessary SOPs to ensure the pandemic is under control.

The Ministry of Health announced today that frontliners who were involved in the effort to curb the contagion of Covid-19 outbreak will be undergoing the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) tests. Bernama reported that Deputy Minister of Health Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali said the testing also involves members from PDRM and ATM to know their stress levels and their concerns.

Besides the frontliners themselves, the tests will also be conducted on attendants whose family members were tested positive as well.

DASS consists of 22 questions that have to be answered to know their depression levels and those with severe depression will be referred to psychiatrists.

“According to the National Health and Mobility survey of 2019, 2.3 per cent or 500,000 Malaysians are depressed with Putrajaya recording the highest at 5.4 per cent.”

Dr.Noor Azmi pleaded anyone suffering from depression to seek treatment at the Mental Health Center of the Community (MENTARI) available in all states. “The government is actively adding more psychiatric and psychosocial experts to deal with mental health issues among Malaysians especially due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has led to unemployment, affected incomes, family disputes and even abuse,” he said.

If you’re suffering from depression and would like to talk to someone, the people of Befrienders KL are more than happy to speak to you, so you can make a call at 03-7627 2929. Remember, you’re NOT in this battle alone!

Also read: Mental Health Matters: Malaysian Takes Stand For Students Stuck On Campus With Suicidal Thoughts