Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality

In conjunction with #WORLDMENTALHEALTHDAY on 10 October, 2021, let’s normalise talking about the things we don’t talk about enough.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. Some groups, including health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected.

By working together as a community we can raise awareness about:

1) What to know about mental health disorders

2) What you can do for treatment; and

3) How to get help for yourself family member or friend

This is in no way exhaustive and complete but here are some quick notes to equip yourself appropriately.

What is mental health?

Mental health is an integral and essential component of our health. The WHO constitution states: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

An important implication from this is mental health is a lot more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.

Mental health as defined by WHO is “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

It is fundamental to our collective and individual ability as humans to think, feel, interact with each other, earn a living and enjoy our lives.

On this basis, the promotion, protection and restoration of mental health can be regarded as a vital concern of individuals, communities and societies throughout the world.

What is depression?

It is an illness characterised by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, together with difficulty carrying out daily activities.

People with depression often experience:

• A loss of energy

• Change in appetites

• Either sleeping more or less than normal

• Anxiety

• Reduced concentration

What you can do if you have symptoms:

• Talk to someone you trust

• Seek professional help

• Stay connected with family and friends

• Exercise regularly

• Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits

• Avoid high amounts of alcohol intake

Living with someone with depression

What you can do:

• Encourage them to focus on the positive, rather than negative

• Encourage them to seek professional help

• If they’re prescribed medication, remind them to take it

• Help them with everyday tasks

• Encourage them to do everyday tasks and social activities

Self-harm or suicidal behaviour

Are you experiencing any of the following?

• Pain that seems overwhelming and unbearable

• Feeling of worthlessness or hopelessness

• Loneliness

• Constant negative thoughts

What you need to know:

• You can get better

• You are not alone

• Its okay to talk about your feelings

• Talking about suicide is not a weakness

What you can do:

• Talk to someone you trust about how you feel

• Talk to a healthcare professional

• Join a support group

• Contact emergency services or a crisis help line

Know someone who may be considering suicide?

Know the warning signs:

• Severe mood changes

• Social withdrawal

• Expressing thoughts, feelings or plans about ending their life

• Saying “goodbye” to close family members and friends

• Giving away valued possessions

Who is at risk?

• People who have tried to take their own life before

• Someone who is socially isolated

• People living with chronic pain and illness

• People who have experienced violence, abuse or other trauma

• People from groups of society that are marginalized or discriminated against

What you can do:

• Find an appropriate time and quiet place to talk to with them

• Let them know you are there to talk to and give support

• Encourage them to seek help from a health professional

• If you think someone is in immediate danger, don’t leave them alone. Contact emergency services/ a crisis line/ a health professional/ family member

• If the person your worried about lives with you, make sure they don’t have access to means of self harm

How to get help in Malaysia?

Support Hotline

Befrienderskl Suicide Helpline: 0376272929

Emotional support 24 hours everyday. Free and Confidential.

Government Services

Psychiatry

University of Malaya Medical Centre

Contact: +603-79494422

KPJ Kajang Specialist Centre

Contact: +603-87692999

Kuala Lumpur Hospital

Contact: +603-26155555

Note: You will need a doctor’s referral letter for places listed above.

Non Government Organisations

Clinical Psychology and Counselling Services

Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA)

Contact: +6017-613 3039

Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA)

Contact: +6012-247 9561

HumanKind

Contact: +6012-300 5453

Private Organisations

Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling Services

InPsych Pshychological and Counselling Services

Contact: +6017-331 1216

RELATE Malaysia

Contact: inquiries@relate.com.my

The Mind Faculty

Contact: +603-6203 0359

Help is always available, and you can feel better.

If you or you know someone suffering of mental health issues, seek help, talk to them and support them.

Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality. #WORLDMENTALHEALTHDAY