There has been conflicting evidence on whether the mental health of the public has suffered drastically from the COVID-19 pandemic, or if it has remained the same as pre-pandemic levels. In this research paper, we are sharing the results gathered from a study conducted based on the results of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 tools used as depression and anxiety screeners respectively. This data was compiled between 1 January 2020 and 31 January 2022.
This paper includes qualitative data gathered from a COVID stories survey we conducted between June-July 2021 that shares real-life stories of individuals who experienced feelings of depression and/or anxiety during the pandemic. We also discuss Malaysia’s current resources and strategies to deal with a post-pandemic world, as well as the approaches other countries have or are taking to address the long-term costs of mental health.