Dr. Andrew Mohanraj

Respiratory ailments are the least of our problems as the prolonged haze starts to affect workers’ productivity and mental health.

SINCE the hot and dry season started in June, the country has experienced hazy days, culminating in the recent prolonged spell that some experts claim could last until March.

Besides falling ill, Malaysians have had to put up with cancelled flights and schools closing. Now, as Indonesia’s fires continue to rage on, depression, anxiety and low productivity have set in.

Malaysian Mental Health Association ­deputy president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj says the prolonged hazy skies can certainly cause people to become less productive and even depressed.

Productivity, he says, will decrease, especially among those whose livelihood is jeo­pardised by environmental hazards. The impact of the haze, however, is not only on productivity for the whole nation, he adds.

“Besides great financial implications, there’s the impact on physical and mental health. People suffer from psychological distress because their physical health has been compromised. Those already suffering from anxiety and depression are likely to see their condition worsening.”

Shedding some light on SAD, Dr Andrew says it’s depression that comes with shortened day light. This usually occurs during winter when there’s less day light, he explains.

Less melatonin, which is linked to depression, is produced. So, this leads to people feeling low, he says, adding that the haze is not known to cause SAD but the gloom brought about by the haze can be a contri­buting factor to low moods, less motivation and increased anxiety.

Those suffering from anxiety disorders or depression are likely to have their symptoms exacerbated.

“There’s also a psychological component linked to certain medical conditions like bronchial asthma and eczema. People with these conditions will be more psychologically distressed as a result of their physical symptoms worsening,” he says.

Even children who may initially be excited with schools closing will face more stress later when their academic performance is compromised, he suggests.

Ultimately, Dr Andrew hopes every possibility is explored in the Asean spirit to overcome the problem.

The news article was first published in The Star Newspaper on 25th October 2015.
For full article, please read: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/10/25/Smoke-gets-into-our-eyes-and-mood-Respiratory-ailments-are-the-least-of-our-problems-as-the-prolong/