SHAH ALAM, Aug 4 — Persons experiencing mental stress have been advised to immediately seek psychiatric advice and counsellors, as a form of early prevention to avoid worse effects.
State executive councillor for public health Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said the state government views the issue seriously, introducing the Selangor Mental Sihat (Sehat) initiative to provide assistance to those who need support.
She said the programme, now in its fourth year, is offered for free to the Selangor public facing problems, so they can seek expert opinions.
“This is why I call upon individuals or anyone with a family member or partner who may be suffering from mental disorders including stress, depression, or anxiety, to immediately contact the SEHAT line,” Dr Siti Mariah said in a Facebook post.
She added the post-pandemic period has seen a marked increase in cases of mental health disorders, due to economic pressures, job losses, family problems and others
Dr Siti Mariah cited several recent tragedies, including the incident of a father in Kepong who abandoned his three children and committed suicide, and the incident where a nurse in Sungai Siput, Perak, killed her eight-month-old baby.
“These two instances and many others reported before this requires us as a society to care for those around us, especially spouses, family members, relatives and even neighbours,” she said.
Those seeking counselling assistance may contact 1700-82-7536 or 1700-82-7537 from Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
They can also refer to the SELangah app and get help from 30 expert counsellors.
