RMO Day 7 - Reality Setting In — Daily Dose of Chemo

Human is wired to be communal. Generally speaking. After a period of isolation, we tend to get restless. I am also from a generation who go out to play in late afternoons rather than like my boys now who can stay all day in their rooms playing video games. We need interaction. And companionship. So, I feel for all of us under the current restriction order, but also spare a thought for those under quarantine. I would definitely be miserable if I had to do it.

That can be stressful. In fact, stress during this time can come in many guises. Isolation is one thing. I complain about not being able to take my camera out. Some for not being able to play badminton, for instance. Imagine those who depend on work for a constant stream of income? I am sure many would struggle if the order extends for longer. The repercussions for the impact of earnings may linger on well after the order have been lifted. More stress.

For me, learning about death from the infection really struck home. Some of them were healthcare workers. Some was just going on their business, attending tabligh gathering that they have done umpteenth time, for instance, little that they wish to be infected by this deadly virus. As a result, those contracting the disease are now being stigmatised. As if they had done something wrong to deserve the infection. Doing it on purpose or not prepared enough to avoid it. Those are false perceptions.

All these would add up, and there will come a time when the stress would boil over. The stressed, both physical and mental, are real. There should be more spiritual programs on TV, or at least discuss the mental health element more openly. Clear communications between the Government and their subjects would also help a great deal - another aspect which is lacking.

I am honest here, and I admit that I have been stressed out as well. Getting calls from my mother most mornings asking how am I doing while driving to work can be heartbreaking. She has two children. One a doctor. The other is married to an Anaesthetist. We both are at risk.

But that risk is no way near as big as what out front-liners are facing day in and day out. In the scheme of things, I had it easy. I am still able to go to work every day, see my patients who are stable in the majority. That would at least take away some of the “cabin fever” the rest are having.

I then have a loving wife to return to every day. Except when I am on call, I do not have to stay at the hospital longer than necessary. Financially, I am doing OK. The income might drop a bit, but far from being a struggle.

The next few months are going to be hard for our Malaysia. There will need to be a measure of rebuilding. And I fear for who would be the rebuilder as currently, we lack direction, almost rudderless. Things would never feel the same again, and I pray that it would be for the better. We are indebted by the excellent leadership of Dato Hisham, our Health Director-General. Who could have predicted that the political landscape would change so drastically while the outbreak was starting? He brought continuity and stability, and Malaysia would be much worse without him at the helm.

To my fellow Malaysians, stay strong. And most importantly, stay at home. We have plenty of nation-building to do after this!