KUCHING: Based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015, Sarawak has the fourth highest prevalence of mental health problems among adults with 35.8 per cent, said Minister for Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
“Sarawak recorded the fourth highest prevalence of mental health problems among adults after Sabah/Labuan with 42.9 per cent, Kuala Lumpur with 39.8 per cent and Kelantan 39.1 per cent.
“Meanwhile, the state recorded the highest prevalence of mental health problems among children aged 5 to 15 years with 16 per cent, emotional problems (18 per cent), conduct problems (28 per cent), hyperactivity (four per cent), peer problems (33.6 per cent) and pro-social skills (13.7 per cent).
“At the moment, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified depression as the fourth highest illness that contributes to global disability,” she explained during the closing ceremony of ‘Heal Your Inner Self’ programme at 56 Hotel here yesterday.
Fatimah also said that WHO has forecast that depression will be the leading cause of mental illness and second highest illness after cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in 2020.
“The increase of murder cases and child abuse as well as domestic violence involve those suffering from mental illness and must be dealt with earnest intent,” she added.
She pointed out that it was timely to raise the issue of mental health as it relates to and involves 10 social issues as focused by her ministry.
“The community also needs to be more open in discussing the issue and should not regard it as a remote case.
“The seriousness of some cases which involve the loss of life has been a sign for all to act in an integrated and holistic way,” stressed Fatimah.
On the programme, she said that it has shown the valuable methods in cultivating positive mental health.
“The methods include work-life balance, self-reflection of emotions, facing personal monster, positive self talk, slow breathing technique, progressive muscle relaxation and healthy lifestyles.
“I hope the participants will be able to practise what they had learned in this programme and share their experiences with family and friends. We play an important role in helping family members or friends so that they can achieve good mental health,” added Fatimah.
