Psychologists warn that disrupted sleep and meal routines during Ramadan may intensify emotional stress among vulnerable individuals.
PETALING JAYA: Routine disruptions during Ramadan may amplify emotional strain among individuals already in vulnerable situations, said the Malaysian Psychological Association.
Its president Dr Shazli Ezzat Ghazali said shifts in sleep patterns and meal timing during the fasting month could affect emotional regulation, particularly among at-risk individuals.
“From a biological psychology perspective, lack of sleep and changes in meal timing could affect the emotional regulation system. When sleep is disrupted, a person’s ability to control impulses and anger may decline.
“For individuals who are already in a vulnerable state, for example those experiencing financial stress or domestic conflict, these routine changes could act as a stress amplifier,” Shazli told theSun.
Cases involving “vulnerable individuals” refer to people facing situations such as family conflict, economic distress, abuse risks, neglect concerns or other psychosocial pressures requiring support or intervention.
“However, Ramadan could also be a protective factor because it enhances meaning in life, spirituality and social support, all of which are proven to help emotional stability.”
Shazli, who is an associate professor with the UKM Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Health Programme, said certain groups may be more sensitive to routine disruption.
“From a developmental psychology perspective, adolescents and young adults are more sensitive to sleep disruption and routine changes because their emotional regulation systems are still maturing.
“From a social psychology standpoint, women carrying multiple role demands may experience emotional fatigue due to work and family pressures.
“Individuals facing economic stress are also at higher risk, as financial strain is closely linked to anxiety and depression.
“However, vulnerability is not determined by gender or age alone, but also by the level of existing stress and the strength of a person’s support system.”
Shazli advised families and communities to watch for behavioural warning signs.
“Significant behavioural changes should be taken seriously. These include excessive irritability, prolonged low mood, withdrawal from social interaction, serious sleep disturbances or expressions of hopelessness.
“Sometimes, the public assumes it is merely the effect of hunger or fatigue. But if the changes are consistent and worsening, it may signal emotional distress that requires support.
“Social sensitivity and early action are crucial because early support could prevent problems from becoming more serious,” he said.
On Wednesday, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the need for mental health support, counselling and early intervention has reached a pressing level, while urging communities to remain sensitive to early signs of emotional distress.
She disclosed that 156,033 cases involving vulnerable individuals were handled through the Social Support Centre since Oct 2021, prompting the ministry’s push to expand stigma-free mental health and early intervention support nationwide.
On a murder-suicide case involving a family of five in Kuantan on Tuesday, Nancy described the tragic incident as deeply distressing and said the incident is believed to be linked to emotional stress and unemployment pressure.
She said the Social Support Centre would be further strengthened and more aggressively promoted to ensure individuals experiencing mental distress know where to seek help.
To obtain assistance from the centre, the public may call Talian Kasih at 15999 for immediate support, or send a WhatsApp message to 012-693 1599.
The Sun Malaysia
