21.10.2020 (Date 8 of Restricted Movement  in the state)

I am not too sure I can survive another round of total lockdown. mentally, spiritually, physically.

Yes …everything in life has its limit.

Doing things in moderation is good.  Complications arise when we do the extreme. In all areas.

I think the first round of total lockdown was in a way a blessing in disguise for me. Time to take a breather I was able to remain put at home and I accomplished quite comfortably in my spiritual journey, I was able to devote more to matters that is food for the mind, spirit and soul. 

 

Going back to writing. Journaling my life .. Penning my journey and experiences Reflecting Very therapeutic indeed.

 

It was really a welcome relief when the 3 months ‘curfew’ was lifted. It was like  the cage was once again opened wide and  the key to it  was  finally thrown away. 

 

The minute it was lifted a few weeks back there was sudden surge from almost everyone that I knew who just wanted to go out, to enjoy the sea, the sun and anything under the sun. I think it felt good to be out in the open once again. Those with the extra cash to spare booked themselves and family into a resort by the sea while those on tight budget were contended with just spending the day at the local park.

 

After a while complacency sets in. Maybe everyone thought that we have been  doing okay in our efforts to keep the virus at bay.  Not totally wiped out from the scene but contained. So, everyone started taking things easy. Going to the shops at the mall, there is that mandatory desk and thermometer. But not all shops have someone to man the desk anymore. Shoppers are expected to sign in. They are trusted to do so without being asked to.Do all of us abide by the rules?

 

Now, we hear of a new strain... the super spreader. Asymptomatic to any person but that person could be a carrier.

Now the numbers are on the increase.today it is 732.  Will there be another complete lockdown in my state? 

I am not too sure whether I can tolerate another round of this episode. Prolonged isolation  can be stressful  at times.  I cannot imagine those alone in the house with no one to talk to, the old and the elderly. How are they coping? Apart from lack of company, how about their other daily needs? Will there be another round of foods delivered to homes of these folks? 

 

Everyone is suffering. In so many ways. Some have lost their loved ones. Not being able to say the proper goodbye because of the contagious nature of the virus. 

Many are suffering economically. Many have lost their source of income and are struggling to come up with the money to pay for their monthly loans. What more for those with many mouths to feed and being the sole breadwinner is a tough act to handle. 

It is of no surprise if  there are amongst us who are dealing with issues not faced before , for example the mental health. All stressed out due to the inevitable situation. Mental health issues could be on the rise.  I am sure this is quite possible. But then again, it may  not  be an  issue. People could be  adapting well to the new norm. 

 

On that note too, 10.10 is the World Mental Health day. I don’t know how many of us were aware of that date. It was such a significant date. Even more so for this year. But for most of us, we were not aware that it was on 10.10. All I was aware was that date was much hyped on those online shopping! Because of the same double digit.  I ‘reckon. 

 

Not much publicity, not enough was done. Especially during these challenging times. Just the same rhetoric statement. Happy Mental Health Day! Full Stop!

The head of one state wrote in this month’s bulletin about allocating 1 million RM towards programs to commemorate the day.  But alas, there was no mention of the programs, the What, Why, Who, When How? I tried googling for further information but could not find any. Perhaps they could follow up with report on the success of the programs? Is there a hotline for people who need to seek help? Spiritually, economically or just to hear another person’s voice for those in need? 

 

At the federal level, there is a unit in the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development that offers counselling services to those in need. 

Here’s a link :  .https://www.kpwkm.gov.my/kpwkm/index.php?r=portal/full&id=NGtVYXZIMjRqM3diWmV2K005Mm9Hdz09

 

The Australians have one website specially dedicated to this issue.https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/  

 

In Malaysia, there is the My Sejahtera apps to keep track on the latest news on this pandemic. There are 3 hotline numbers that operate from 8 am to 5 pm manned by thehttps://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/ Malaysian Ministry of Health. And linked to this main website are various agencies that deal with specific issues. Do check this out: http://covid-19.moh.gov.my/hotline

https://www.kpwkm.gov.my/kpwkm/index.php?r=portal/full&id=NGtVYXZIMjRqM3diWmV2K005Mm9Hdz09  

 

 

 

So, for now ,  let’s focus on staying in the moment. 

Take a few deep breaths

Stretch your body

Listen to your favourite song

Read a chapter of a book

Journal your thoughts

Get crafty

Cook a new recipe

 

And what matters most is ....

To Stay safe !!