PETALING JAYA: Her stern appearance belies the depression that envelopes Maya, a researcher, but she clings on to life while struggling with melancholia that has often triggered suicidal thoughts.
Dark thoughts continue to haunt her, but she is nudged back to her senses by random incidents, such as a dog adoption advertisement on social media, or the blaring of a horn on a highway.
Such behaviour is unsurprising for anyone who suffers from MDD or major depressive disorder, which she was diagnosed with in 2017.
Understandably, Maya finds it puzzling that the authorities could even accept that sharing a cell with a criminal could be of any benefit or help to those like her.
Attempted suicide is still a crime in Malaysia, with those convicted facing a maximum jail term of one year or a fine or both.
“How is it a crime? One is (mentally) ill and attempts suicide, only to be imprisoned. Is that the best solution to treat one’s illness?” she says. “Suicidal thoughts don’t vanish in jail.”
Police recorded 638 suicides in the first seven months of 2021, a 143% increase from the 262 cases of the year before.
The Covid-19 pandemic also led to more suffering from depression, set off by job loss as well as restricted movement and interaction.
Befrienders, a suicide prevention hotline, and other activists have since called on the government to decriminalise attempted suicide.
They have also called on Putrajaya to have an open dialogue on suicide and mental health to help those suffering from it.
It is difficult for the mentally ill to seek help and treatment, Maya says. “They are apprehensive, afraid of the stigma. They don’t know where to go for help,” she said. In some cases, treatment could be costly.
Fortunately for Maya, her husband has been by her side to fight her demons, even if he doesn’t completely understand what she goes through or the thoughts she entertains.
Maya herself admitted that she was at one time afraid to seek professional help until a doctor referred her to a psychiatrist.
“I still see a doctor and take meds to overcome this disorder.”
Those who suffer from depression and need help can call Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-76272929 any time of the day, while contact details of other centres can be found at the Befrienders’ website. - FMT
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