Understanding stress in age of the coronavirus

Dr Jared Ng, a consultant at the Institute of Mental Health’s emergency service, talks about the recent cases he has seen. PHOTO: JARED NG
With the new realities of Covid-19, more people may be experiencing increased anxiety or depression. ST FILE PHOTO

Health Check Ep 43: Understanding stress in the age of the coronavirus

12:49 mins

Synopsis: Fortnightly on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.

The World Health Organisation has just called for a massive scaling up of investment in mental health.

Close to one billion people are living with a mental disorder, while three million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol. One person dies every 40 seconds by suicide.

Now, with the new realities of Covid-19, more people may be experiencing increased anxiety or depression.

ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Dr Jared Ng, a consultant at the Institute of Mental Health's emergency service, who will talk about the recent cases he has seen.

He shares how the pandemic has affected some people more than others, and how kindness can go a long way in staving off stress and helping to maintain our mental health during the Covid-19 crisis.

Listen to Pt 2 of interview with Dr Jared Ng on understanding and preventing suicides

HELPLINES
Samaritans Of Singapore: 1800-221-4444

Singapore Association For Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

Institute Of Mental Health's Mobile Crisis Service: 6389-2222

Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800

Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928

Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Penelope Lee

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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