LETTERS: The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 found that one million Malaysians aged above 15 suffer from depression. The number is double that of 2019. Nearly half of those suffering from depression had thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
The survey also reported that one in six children, aged between 5 and 15, suffered from mental health problems.
These numbers are of great concern, but not unexpected. Many people struggled with emotional distress during the Covid-19 pandemic with the implementation of the Movement Control Order in March 2020.
At the height of the pandemic, distress calls to Befrienders Kuala Lumpur, a suicide prevention helpline, and the Health Ministry's Psychosocial Support Helpline saw a staggering increase.
Many are still struggling with mental health issues due to the aftermath of the pandemic. As our society progresses, so does the awareness of the importance of mental health.
However, more needs to be done as there is still stigma attached to seeking help for mental health issues.
The government needs to fund more awareness campaigns on mental health.
Non-governmental organisations also play an important role in providing complementary support services. As stigma reduces, more people will reach out for help for their mental health issues, and the government must ensure there are enough resources to manage the influx of people seeking help.
The long waiting time to see a psychiatrist at public hospitals must be addressed. It is necessary to train more mental health professionals and retain existing expertise.
One initiative during the pandemic that we can emulate is the "Kita Jaga Kita" campaign. The gist of the campaign was to be kind to people in need. It is very much applicable to the current world we are in.
Kindness can reduce stress, which in turn minimises the risk of depression. Kindness can promote empathy, which can make our society safer and more friendly for people with mental disorders.
Kindness should also be accorded to ourselves, as a form of self-care. Having a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep and being physically active are the basics of self-care.
Everyone should be equipped with resilient and healthy coping mechanisms. These essential skills should be taught to schoolchildren.When troubled, be brave to reach out to someone to talk to.
There are helplines that offer anonymity if you wish to speak to someone you don't know. Struggling in isolation can increase suicide risk.
We should all be keeping an eye on people around us and offer support when they are emotionally unwell.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Member, Mental Health Advisory Council
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times