GEORGE TOWN – Mental health issues should be identified and treated early as it will decrease the risk of suicidal behaviour among the mentally depressed.
PgCare Alliance Mental Health Task Force head Datuk Seri Leslie Lee said the Covid-19 pandemic had caused mental stress and depression due to loss of jobs and income. It had impacted many socially, emotionally and economically with some resorting to suicides.
“Suicidal attempts could be addressed if those under mental stress and depression could be identified and treated accordingly.
“The suicidal death of an individual affects a total of 135 people including his family members, relatives and friends. The impact affects them socially, economically and emotionally,” Lee said.
He said this during the virtual press conference of Mental Health Month campaign. It is jointly organised by Penang Youth Development Corporation, Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara, RCSI & UCD, Community Outreach Society (COS) and D’Home in conjunction with the forthcoming World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Lee, who is also the D’Home Mental Health Association chairman and the founder and executive chairman of New Bob Group of companies, said that the World Health Organisation had stated that a total of 700,000 people die by suicide every year. It is the fourth cause of death among those between 15 and 29 years of age.
He said that an average of 5.8 people in 100,000 committed suicide. Police had registered until March this year a total of 336 suicide cases compared with 112 in last year. The figure, which is three times higher, is believed to have been caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He suggested raising public awareness on suicide, mental illness issues, recognition and early correction. Support and interventions, and reducing societal discrimination, stigma and taboo on mental illness were important to address the issue.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee in his opening address said the PYDC is organising the month-long campaign Mental Health Month for the colleges in Penang. It aims to increase the awareness and importance of mental health, improve understanding and importance of current mental health issues. It also seeks to encourage discussions and advocate for mental health topics.
“We will be running a one-month online campaign through social media and zoom webinars. It will include video competition, writing competition, suicide prevention and mindfulness webinar, yoga and meditation, sharing and talks as a public awareness programme.
“With the rising number of mental illness reports received by Malaysian Health Association and many other mental health organisations, mental health problems among youth caused by the pandemic is one of the hot topics discussed in the recent State Legislative Assembly," he added.
Those suffering mental health issues can call Talian Kasih at 15999, or reach out to Befrienders at 03-7627-2929 or [email protected], for support. – The Vibes, September 15, 2021
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