Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health in Malaysia: A Single Thread of Hope

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is a catastrophic occurrence that has not been seen since the Spanish Flu. Recent researches mainly focused on the adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. Objective: This article examines both the negative and unexpected helpful changes which the pandemic has on mental health in the Malaysian population. Results: We expect to see an upsurge in anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and aversive social effects of isolation. On the other hand, we could also postulate that improvement could be achieved in compliance and supervision of medication, strengthening of the family support and reduction in substance-related psychiatric disorders. Conclusion: By understanding both deleterious and potentially favourable effects of a global disaster such as the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health professionals could be better equipped in facing such events. Please click PDF below to download the full paper...