GEORGE TOWN – Penang will study a proposal to form a panel of advisers to tackle the growing rate of suicides, including attempted ones, as well as mental health challenges.
These issues have worsened, especially during the current pandemic with no end in sight for some quarters, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He added that he accepts the suggestion that was made by D’Home Mental Health Association president Datuk Leslie Lee Kim Guan over a need for the state to collaborate with the private sector to address this issue.
“We will deliberate at the state exco meeting and reach a decision on the formation of the panel (of advisers),” said Chow in the webinar today.
Speaking on a family link programme organised by the association, Chow said mental health has emerged as one of the most contentious points of the pandemic as suicide cases soar.
He added that Penang has 53 cases, including 19 attempted suicides in the first five months of this year, while nationally, the cases are 631 last year compared to 609 in 2019.
“These are alarming figures that need serious attention.”
Chow said that the efforts to treat mental anguish and depression is far from satisfactory as there is a stigma attached to it.
“Some of the sufferers are discriminated against, labelled as ‘crazy’ and ‘amok’ when they are just suffering from an illness. We need to better treat the cases.”
Meanwhile, Lee said there was a need for more training and awareness campaigns about mental health as it impacts the community.
“There is a need to have more science and psychology applied when addressing the issue.”
For those seeking emotional support, Befrienders is reachable at 03-7627-2929 or [email protected]; and, the Talian Kasih hotline is 15999. – The Vibes, July 10, 2021
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