KUALA LUMPUR: The people have been urged to be more vigilant and caring to family members and those around them in identifying the early symptoms of depression that can contribute to suicidal behaviour, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said.
This includes identifying behavioural changes such as being constantly sad and depressed, loss of interest in routine activities, difficulty concentrating and performing normal daily tasks, isolation from family and friends, having sleep and appetite disorders, acting aggressively and being abusive to oneself and others, and abuse of alcohol and drugs.
Besides this, he said they must also look out for early symptoms of depression such as expressing feelings of hopelessness or boredom for life, feeling that they are a burden to family members and expressing their intentions to end their lives verbally or in writing.
"If there are any of the symptoms listed above, individuals should seek professional medical advice immediately to prevent their condition from worsening," he said in a statement today.
Dr Noor Hisham said the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the mental health of every individual around the world and Malaysians were no exception.
Some individuals are at high risk for mental health problems including depression, especially when in a state of extreme stress and isolation from the support network of family and friends, he said.
He said the police statistics reveal that there was an increase in suicide cases reported in 2020, totalling 631 cases compared to 609 cases in 2019, adding that until March 2021, a total of 336 suicide cases had been reported.
Dr Noor Hisham said help could be rendered by communicating effectively with individuals suffering from depression, such as taking the problem seriously and taking the time to listen to them, showing empathy and to avoid being judgemental.
In addition, the public is advised to take advantage of the use of information technology to maintain contact with those suffering from depression, provide social support such as assisting in their daily affairs if needed and to encourage and assist them in seeking professional evaluation and treatment.
Dr Noor Hisham said the media could also play an important role in disseminating accurate information and complying with the guidelines for media reporting on suicide issued by the Health Ministry's Control Division on suicidal behaviour.
"The public is also asked to respect the feelings of the victim's family members by not recording videos or distributing pictures on social media of individuals who committed suicide.
"Suicide can be prevented, but viralling content on social media can lead to 'copycat suicides' for those at risk," he said.
Besides this, he said the public can also call support helplines such as MHPSS at 03-29359935 or 014-3223392; Talian Kasih 15999 / Whatsapp Talian Kasih at 019-2615999 (for assistance on domestic violence complaints and other problems such as abuse); KSK-Care JAKIM at Whatsapp 0111-9598214 and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-76272929.
He said people must be sensitive and be caring towards one's own family, friends and the surrounding community, adding that individuals facing problems and affected by the pandemic should seek help rather than face it alone.
Dr Noor Hisham said each individual had to carry out their respective responsibilities in maintaining the mental health of themselves, their families, and the community while facing the COVID-19 pandemic.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Jun 29 2021
Dr Noor Hisham has asked the people to be more vigilant and caring to family members and those around them in identifying the early symptoms of depression that can contribute to suicidal behaviour. - Astro AWANI filepic
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.