On average, 35 new cases are referred to the psychiatric Unit for Adults, monthly for mental health issues while 10 cases are referred to the child and adolescent mental health services, 83 to adult psychology and 117 cases to the child and adolescent psychology.
Some 800 follow-up cases were recorded at the psychiatric unit for adults, 50 at the child and adolescent mental health services, and 400 and 600 at psychology care units.
This was revealed to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) officers and staff by psychologist at the Clinical and Community Psychology Services of the Ministry of Health (MoH) Siti Nurelliyyana binti Haji Matussin during a mental health roadshow at the MoRA yesterday to mark World Mental Health Day.
She also said depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health issues, with 11,231 people currently receiving psychiatric treatment.
A preliminary survey on mental health in the workplace in 2020 revealed that 55 per cent of respondents said they worked in a fast-paced environment, 41 per cent experienced high pressure in the workplace and 35 per cent reportedly feeling burnt out, 27 per cent suffering from anxiety, 21 per cent experienced bullying and 21.1 per cent experienced stress.
Meanwhile, clinical psychologist and head of Mental Health Strategy at the Health Promotion Centre (HPC, MoH) Nor Syahmun binti Haji Metassan said that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight individuals suffer from a mental illness affecting their physical health, well-being, relationships with others and livelihood.
Among the reasons are financial problems, work-life imbalance, abuse problems, bullying problems, and problems at work.
Mental health issues among children and adolescents are also increasing, she added.
“Mental illness can be treated through professional help and support from family and friends,” she said.
In an effort to encourage the community to play a role in ensuring that mental health is achieved by all, the MoH has put together several programmes with cooperation from governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations and international agencies.
One of the initiatives is to hold an awareness programme on mental health in the workplace across all ministries to prevent and manage mental health issues, personal well-being and reduce stigmas surrounding mental illness, especially among public servants. – Azlan Othman
