MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY Total Health PRESS RELEASE MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC - LET US REMAIN CALM ‘The Mental Health Authority acknowledges the fear and panic amongst Ghanaians in the midst of the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) scare We want to assure everybody in Ghana that the government, the Ministry of Health, the health system and institutions are in control and on top of issues, and as long as we adhere to their directives, we are all safe. Let us not panic, be tense or anxious. The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that our biggest enemy in this scourge is not so much the virus but our fear and panic, © Fear can reduce your immunity and make you more vulnerable and susceptible to the Coronavirus. : Fear can make you take an unnecessary action like committing suicide. Fear and panic can stress you up and give you heart attack. Fear and panic can give you hypertension and stomach ulcer or worsen these. Fear and panic can make you lose concentration which may lead to accidents. Fear and panic can make you easily irritated or angry. Fear and panic can kill you even when you don't have the virus or even if you had it, the virus might itself not have Killed you. Ifyou have to be in self isolation (quarantine) be in touch frequently with friends and family via phone or any other means. ‘When you are panicking, take in a deep breath, hold if for some time and breathe out slowly. Do this three times and you will feel relaxed and less anxious. Beyond this keep to the messages of hygiene and prevention as the President, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service have given. + Avoid handshakes and hugs + Wash your hands frequently with soap and water + Sanitize your hands. * Don't touch your face. + Don't cough/sneeze into the open If you still need emotional or psychological support contact the following numbers: = = 0504497708, + 0558424645 We need calm and level headedness in these trying times. Thank you. - Chief Executive Mental Health Authority 18 Margh 2020