Step 4 narrative essay

Step 4 - Advantages and disadvantages of the solutions 

Written by Akmal Yazid bin Abd Rahim

It is only natural for humans to automatically ask for support when we stumble or get wounded because it hurts and we want to feel better. However, whether others are dealing with emotional distress, loneliness, sadness, fear, rejection, or hopelessness, or someone perceives that others judge them because of their mental condition, people often refuse to call for assistance the same way they may with physical injuries.

 

In this global pandemic, however, for those who have a psychiatric condition, such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or schizophrenia. There are many explanations for why individuals keep their thoughts silent and do not ask for support. Some examples are that people worry about what others might think or worry about them, they will be judged by their mental illness or they will struggle with unhelpful thoughts like “asking for help is a weakness”. Perhaps people find that getting support indicates that there is something wrong with them. People get messages from others, the media, their community, society, and from themselves, sometimes causing a lot of worry and fear and can hinder mental health recovery and seeking help. We can overcome this in some ways.

 

First, we need to improve access to mental healthcare services. We need to increase the online platform or mobile application so that people can seek professional help during the lockdown. This is one of the ways to cope with the restriction of going outside that prevent us from going to hospitals. We also need to increase the number of mental health specialists and train non-specialist to deliver mental healthcare. Automatically, this also will increase job opportunities as the department will rely on bigger recruitment. But the reality is, it is hard to establish and it is very difficult in recruiting qualified staff.

 

Second, we should also learn how to deal with stress. We should figure out the most suitable way for us by exploring more. For instance, we should pick up a hobby or something that can calm us down. We also should know when to reach out to someone. Why is this? It is because other people won't hear us and our problems. By dealing with stress, we can also increase our concentration, decrease our anxiety and we can feel a reduction in our agony. Unfortunately, we might become dependent on the coping mechanism we use to cope with stress.

 

Third, we can surround ourselves with good people, be it socially or digitally. We can befriend anyone. Sadly, not all of our acquaintance is good. By good, it means the surrounding. Good peer pressure can assure you your places in society, be it online or in your neighbourhood.  They will positively influence us. But, by doing so, we will become too dependent on our growth to other people.

 

Fourth, we can socialize with the community nearby more through online platforms. Think of this as a support group. Those people will positively impact us, and they might help us when we are facing any trouble. We will feel less lonely, isolated, or judged. Not all of the things in the world is that easy, though. We need high internet data usage to socialize through online platforms.

 

The fifth solution is mental health support needs to be promoted across the country. By doing so, people will be more aware about mental health issues. They can educate themselves about mental health and the implications. Moreover, people can know where to get mental help when needed. If mental health services are not promoted, people won't know where to get immediate help. Still, not all people are born with a kind heart. Some will misuse the mental health services.

 

Sixth, we can read information from the internet. By doing so, we can gain information about the outside world even though being cooped up at home. We need a piece of legit and authentic news only. Fake news will increase our anxiety. We can ensure accurate information without any harmful content. Unfortunately, it might be hard to differentiate the authenticity of the sources or websites. We will depend too much on trusted sources that we will believe the forged news.

 

Seven, we need to protect ourselves and be supportive of others. Assisting others in their time of need can benefit the person receiving support as well as the helper. For example, check-in on your neighbours or people in your community who may need some extra assistance by phone. Working together as one community can help to create solidarity in addressing Covid-19 together. We are surrounding ourselves with people who radiate positive energy, therefore we will be optimistic and would not give up easily. Sadly, they might betray us.

 

Finally, we need to practice self-care. For instance, we can maintain a routine, exercise, and have a healthy diet. We also need to avoid things that will affect our health. Especially something like cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, and et cetera. By doing that, it will provide us with a break from stress. It can also improve physical health. But, overdoing 'me time' might cause people to withdraw from their social life. In a nutshell, in truth, despite the many ways to improve our mental health, each of the ways have their own pros and cons.

 

Let's say, it is a give and take.