Letters: I read with interest articles on suicide last week in the New Straits Times ("Olympic figure skater Alexandrovskaya dies aged 20", "Elvis Presley's only grandson commits suicide aged 27", and "Despite objections, funeral held for Seoul mayor who committed suicide").
In Malaysia, there was a similar tragedy involvinåçg a 15-year-old student in Kota Kinabalu (July 15). The trend is worrying. In 2016, the crude suicide rate stood at 5.5 per 100,000 population.
Suicide is a serious public health problem. However, it is preventablåe. There is a strong link between suicide and mental disorder.
There are many challenges in addressing mental health, such as public attitude and perception of mental health and mental illness, limited resources, lack of intersectoral collaboration and policies related to insurance coverage.
A holistic approach is needed to address mental health. We wish to draw attention to the attitude towards mental illness, such as lack of awareness and understanding, ignorance, neglect, discrimination, stigma, beliefs and taboo.
It is time that Malaysians improved their literacy on mental health and mental disorders, as well as change their perception and accept these conditions with an open mind and heart.
The signs and symptoms of poor mental health include depression, confusion, inability to concentrate, excessive fears or worries, feelings of guilt, extreme mood changes, withdrawal from friends and activities, low energy level and sleeping problems.
Recovery from mental illness requires rehabilitation, similar to recovery from fracture, operation or diseases, and the duration can be short or long term.
Thus, we should not stigmatise or be prejudiced against the victims. Strengthening our mental health requires good mental hygiene.
Mental hygiene constitutes maintaining mental health through proactive behaviour, seeking help and undergoing treatment. To put it simply, it is what we need to do to keep our mind healthy.
Here are some tips: Open up to someone whom you trust; Share your feelings; Eat a balanced diet; Be physically active; Practise good sleeping habits; Quit smoking; Avoid substance abuse (alcohol, drugs); Tell yourself something positive; Build your resilience and coping skills; and, Increase spirituality and learn about mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing techniques.
What is important is to love yourself, practise self-care and do not be afraid to get help.
The Health Ministry's "Let's TALK Minda Sihat" campaign, launched in October, focuses on intersectoral collaboration between governmental, corporate and non-governmental agencies aimed at promoting mental health.
TALK stands for T- Tell someone you trust about your problems; A-Ask for help; L-Listen without judgment and K-Know where to seek help.
There are many channels to get help, including clinics, government or private hospitals, Mentari (Pusat Kesihatan Mental Komuniti) and non-governmental organisations such as Miasa, The Befrienders and MeCare.
One can also browse https://www.infosihat.gov.my/index.php/multimedia/infografik/item/pusat-... and http://www.myhealth.gov.my/category/kesihatan-mental/.
Having a family member with mental illness is not something to be ashamed of. Let us lend our hand and ear to a person with mental health condition without prejudice or stigma.
Together, we can change their lives and make our world a better place.
Dr Tham Sin Wan
Universiti Malaya
Dr Nura Shikin Ibrahim and Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha
Disease Control Division, Health Ministry
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times