SIBU: Mental health has emerged as one of the more important public health issues in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic around the world.
Sibu Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry Head Dr Wong Siong Teck said given that mental health issues and emotional stress are on the rise, it is imperative that mental health issues are taken seriously.
He stressed that if the mind is not healthy, physical health is also affected, and that mental health problems or emotional stress also bring about many negative effects on individuals, society and the country, especially in terms of social and economic aspects.
He was speaking at an event held in conjunction with the World Mental Heath Day 2023 held at the Sibu Hospital’s Rejang Hall and Specialist Clinic’s grounds, Saturday (Oct 21).
According Dr Wong, the 2015 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) statistics revealed that one-third of Malaysians aged 16 and above faced mental problems “In 2019, the Ministry of Health recorded that 2.3 per cent of adults and 9.5 per cent of children aged 10-15 had mental problems, and this percentage is expected to continue to increase.
“On June 18, 2022, United Nations (UN) Secretary- General Antonio Gutteres stated that almost one billion people in the world suffer from mental problems.”
The general public, said Dr Wong, however still has a stigma against the mentally ill, causing them to hesitate to seek treatment.
According to him, mental illnesses can be treated, just like physical illnesses, for example diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and so on.
He said early treatment does increase the chance of recovery, compared to patients who come late for treatment.
Because of this, he advised the public to encourage those with symptoms of thought, emotional or behavioral disorders to get checked and treated as soon as possible.
On World Mental Health Day, which is held every year on Oct 10, he said this year’s theme is ‘Mental Health is universal human right, stop stigmatisation’.
This means, he said, everyone has the right to mental health care, as well as treatment for mental health problems.
“It is hoped that through today’s activities and exhibitions, the general public will become more familiar with mental illness, as well as obtain information related to resources or places to get treatment,” Dr Wong added.
The event was organised by the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Sibu Hospital in collaboration with the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Jalan Merdeka, Jalan Oya, Jalan Muhibbah, Jalan Berjaya and Pearl Garden, Sarawak Mental Health Association (SMHA) Sibu Branch, and the Welfare Association of the Pediatric Department of Sibu Hospital.
Among those present were Deputy director of Sibu Hospital Dr Nizam Ishak and Chairman of JKKK for Jalan Merdeka, Jalan Oya, Jalan Muhibbah, Jalan Berjaya and Pearl Garden, Kapitan So Teck Kee, who is also SMHA Sibu Branch chairman.
