by NURUL SUHAIDI / Pic by BERNAMA

THE Health Ministry has advised the public to remain cautious and practice mental health checks although Malaysia has returned to normalcy.

Its Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali said despite having entered the endemic phase, people are still very much feeling the impacts of Covid-19 in all aspects including financial, wellbeing and their overall health.

Hence, he welcomed programmes by non-governmental organisations that alleviate mental and emotional pressures, as well as long Covid-19 symptoms among ex-patients during this time.

Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ihsan Wanita Islam (Perkiwisa) yesterday organised the World Accredited Healthcare Wellness Programme where, with Total Life EMQR Motivation Academy (Talema), it gave mental and wellbeing assistance to 89 families in the disabled community who are still recovering from Covid-19 trauma.

The programme also honoured healthcare frontliners who had helped Covid-19 patients deal with stress, fear, phobia and trauma at the height of the pandemic. 

Perkiwisa deputy president Syafiza Othman said these individuals will also be sent to rehabilitation centres for further treatment using various approaches.

Talema, on the other hand, has a line of qualified health coaches, counsellors, consultants, motivators and therapists.

Among the activities lined up for the World Accredited Healthcare Wellness Programme includes the International Symposium on Nafas (Insyaaf) which offers a holistic approach to addressing the issue of stress.

One of the coaches, Dr Amir Farid, said the public will be able to learn breathing techniques during Insyaaf.

“Breathing, in general, has so much benefit and many people still do not know how to maximise breathing as a way to navigate daily stress and alleviate mental wellbeing,” he said.

Amir said in general, Insyaaf will help the community to come out of the fear and trauma of Covid-19 and prepare themselves to continue living more positively in the endemic environment.