As there have been a lot rumours and fake news about the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) threat, citizens should make good use of this “staying-at-home period” to enhance communication with each other, learn to think positive and reflect and treasure this period of time as a “motivation in our life”, Macau Psychology Research Society General Director Chan Kam Kun said in a phone interview with The Macau Post Daily this week.
Chan emphasised the importance of keeping peace of mind and a positive attitude to maintain our wellbeing. He urged residents to learn to express their feelings and show more concern for their loved ones.
Chan said, “If we do not have the habit of ‘fact checking’ or analysing anything that we hear, we should focus on the information provided by the government’s official website about the epidemic instead of just browsing on our mobile phones and reading messages which might not be true. In this way, stress and panic levels can be eliminated”.
Chan went on to say that by keeping a healthy lifestyle and maintaining personal hygiene, people could make good use of this staying-at-home period to “deepen our general knowledge and also keep our environmental hygiene by cleaning and disinfecting frequently which are positive ways to improve resilience”.
Macau people could also use this special moment of time to learn different simple ways to channel their emotions such as by doing deep breathing and stretching exercises at home, reading books and expressing their thoughts and feelings, Chan said.
Negative emotions and excessive stress, particularly fear and nervousness which may be hidden in our subconscious mind, may cause anxiety disorders, abnormal behaviour or even depression in the long run, Chan warned. Therefore, it is now the right time for all of us to work on our positive and critical thinking, Chan added.
According to Chan, individuals can contact the government’s psychological relief service in case they are in need. Appointments can be made by phoning 88934604:
1) Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
2) Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
3) 24-hour hotline 2870 0800 outside office hours.
