PUTRAJAYA must ensure enough funding to deal with mental health issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said.

In a message in conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2020, he said mental health is one of the most neglected and under-funded areas of public health.

“It has become more pronounced during this pandemic. 

“With the economic crisis we are facing, the government must ensure that there is sufficient funding to deal with the mental health issues faced during this time. 

“There must be allocation for the support and treatment options for those suffering from mental illness and fatigue, including our frontliners,” he said in a Facebook post today. 

Citing a recent global survey by Ipsos, the PKR president said 44% of Malaysians said their mental wellness have been affected since the pandemic began. 

The survey also found that 37% of respondents felt “down” some of the time, while 7% said they felt that way all the time.

Anwar said unprecedented changes caused by the pandemic would have profound effects on many people.

“Increased anxiety, depression and loneliness due to social isolation and the stress caused by loss of job or income and struggle to provide for one’s family.

“Children are particularly vulnerable, falling behind as a consequence of schools being shut, a stop to co-curricular activities and limitations on interaction with their friends. 

“Some have also had to deal with increased abuse at home and the pressures of being in confined spaces.” 

Anwar, who is also Port Dickson MP, said the stigma surrounding those suffering mental health issues should be eliminated and that people should offer a helping hand to them in overcoming the situation.

“Those who are suffering from mental issues should not feel alone. 

“Let us not underestimate the significance of brotherhood and sisterhood in helping one other during these difficult times. Let us look after ourselves and each other,” he said. – October 10, 2020.