The government will invest more to improve the digitalisation of mental health services with the usage of technology to expand the reach.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said in making mental health care more ubiquitous and accessible, new methods of delivering mental health services must be developed.
“Apart from economic assistance, it is equally critical that people are given adequate mental health support during the pandemic,” he said in his recorded keynote address in conjunction with the launch of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) report 'The State of World’s Children 2021; On My Mind: Promoting, Protecting and Caring for Children’s Mental Health' which was streamed on Unicef Malaysia’s Facebook page and Bernama TV yesterday.
Khairy said between January and July, data from the police showed 638 suicides compared to 262 cases during the same period last year.
“What’s even more worrying is the increase in deaths due to suicide among adolescents aged between 15 and 18, which doubled from 2019 to 2020,” he added.
Supportive environment essential
Khairy said mental health awareness begins at home with parents and caregivers playing an important role to create a safe and supportive environment for their children.
Families must know that they are not on their own, he added.
At the local level, mental health awareness and advocacy need to be translated into immediate action, empowering the community with psychosocial support and community activities.
Community leaders can be trained to provide assistance and refer cases to the relevant agencies for professional support, Khairy said.
Decriminalising suicide
The health minister reiterated that his ministry supports efforts to repeal Section 309 of the Penal Code which deems attempted suicide as a crime.
“Decriminalising suicide will reduce the stigma and encourage those affected to come forward to seek help for their mental health issues. It is my hope that this movement to decriminalise suicide will happen very soon,” he added.
Khairy said his ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry have embarked on efforts to address mental health issues, ranging from counselling programmes, mental health awareness campaigns and community engagements.
NGOs and civil society organisations are on board to play their part in spreading awareness on the importance of mental health and promoting a whole-of-society approach, he added.
- Bernama
If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, or know someone who is, please call the following hotlines:
Talian Kasih
Hotline: 15999
The Befrienders
Hotline: 03-76272929
Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia
Hotline: 03-77855955 or 03-77810800
Life Line Association Malaysia
Hotline: 03-42657995
The Health Ministry and Mercy Malaysia have also set up a psycho-social support line for frontline workers and others who are emotionally affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.
The line can be reached at 011-63996482, 011-63994236 or 03-9359935, from 8am to 5pm.
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