THE Covid-19 pandemic has had a drastic impact on mental health with 336 cases of suicide reported in the first three months of his year alone, said Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. 

The director-general of health said this was worrying as for the whole of last year 631 suicide cases were reported while in 2019 there were 609 cases. 

“Some individuals are at high risk for mental health problems, including depression, especially when in a state of extreme stress as well as isolation from the support network of family and friends. 

“If this depression is not identified and treated properly, it can increase the risk of suicidal behaviour,” he said in a statement today.  

Noor Hisham urged the community to be more vigilant and caring towards family members or people around in identifying early symptoms of depression that can contribute to suicidal behaviour.  

He said that people can help individuals suffering from depression by communicating with them. 

“This includes taking their problems seriously, taking the time to listen to their expressions and not taking their problems lightly or underestimating them. 

“Besides that, show empathy and avoid judgment, take advantage of the use of information technology to maintain relationships with the individuals involved as well as provide social encouragement such as helping with daily affairs. 

“A culture of sensitivity and caring to family, friends and the surrounding community needs to be inculcated and anyone facing problems as well as the impact of a pandemic to seek help and not face it alone. 

“Every individual needs to carry out their respective responsibilities in taking care of their own mental health,” he said.  

Noor Hisham said that among the behavioural changes shown by the individual is that they will always look sad and depressed, lose interest in normal activities, find it difficult to do daily tasks such as refraction and cannot concentrate. 

“In addition, these individuals are also seen isolating themselves from friends and family, suffering from sleep and appetite disorders, acting aggressively and rudely towards themselves and those around them as well as abusing alcohol and drugs. 

“They will also express feelings of hopelessness or boredom with life and its presence burdens the family. Even express a desire to end the life story verbally or in writing. 

“If there are any of the listed symptoms, these individuals are advised to seek professional medical advice at an immediate rate to avoid worsening the condition,” he said. 

Noor Hisham urged those affected to reach out for support at the following hotlines:

• Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (MHPSS): 03-29359935 or 014-3223392
• Talian Kasih: 15999, or WhatsApp 019-2615999
• Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre: WhatsApp 0111-9598214
• Befrienders Kuala Lumpur: 03-76272929. – June 29, 2021.