NOVEMBER , 2023 | THE HEALTH

On the MoH ’ s allocation of 0.89 per cent for next year ’ s budget on mental health which is a reduction from the 1.11 per cent in Budget 2023 , Radzi explained the MoH has prepared a comprehensive plan following budget allocation for mental health year 2024 . This includes continuous capacity building in strengthening service provision , collaboration with all relevant stakeholders in advocating and promoting mental health , digitalisation of mental health services , strengthening Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services ( MHPSS ), empowering the community in advocating mental health and reducing the stigma among the population at large .

The MoH will continue to provide tele-counselling services through the HEAL ( Help with Empathy And Love ) 15555 helpline for those who need psychosocial and emotional support .

“ The budget will also be allocated to strengthening suicide prevention activities through the MySave programme ( Malaysian Suicide Awareness Voice of Hope ) by conducting suicide behaviour management training for frontline personnel and post-vention services for those affected and their family members after a suicide incident .

“ We will ensure that children and adolescents are prioritised by the development of a National Action Plan for Child and Adolescent Mental Health that outlined a concerted effort from all relevant stakeholders .”

On The National Strategic Plan for Mental Health ( 2020-2025 ), he said it was a critical blueprint initiative that outlined several strategies for addressing mental health issues in the country . The plan adopted a whole government approach emphasising integrating mental health agenda across agencies .

The plan includes strategies in terms of governance and regulatory framework , ensuring the availability and accessibility of comprehensive mental health services and mental health resources .

Radzi said the MoH will continue to work with various stakeholders to ensure that the community will have better access to mental healthcare .

“ Ultimately , the vision is to have a resilient and mentally healthy community through promoting and strengthening good mental health among children and adolescents ,” he said .

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT IMPORTANT

Anita assures support , including relating to

Mental Health Problems Trend in Malaysia . ( SOURCE : NHMS 2022 AHS )

the action plan for juveniles . “ We at MIASA stand willing , ready and able to assist the government in its efforts in whatever way we can .

“ We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a number of schools and many colleges and universities who continuously invite us to deliver a variety of mental health initiatives , and we would be glad to leverage and expand on these networks in service of ensuring the mental health of our youth are well looked after .

“ We have also been fortunate to have a representation in the Mental Health Action Plan 2021-2025 for Malaysia and various initiatives by the Ministry of Health . We will continue supporting such efforts and participating in any stakeholder dialogues as needed .

“ We are willing to continue our work in the arena of firstly , expanding mental health awareness and literacy not only among our youth but their parents as well , and then secondly and of equal importance , ensuring those who may be struggling have access and a pathway to seek further psychosocial support as needed .

“ Given the aforementioned networks we already have , the government could

Ultimately , the vision is to have a resilient and mentally healthy community through promoting and strengthening good mental health among children and adolescents .”

– Datuk Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan

play a crucial role in supplying additional funds and resources to bodies like ours who are already on the ground to expand further the network of awareness-raising initiatives and support services which we already carry out .”

Commenting on the creation of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services ( MHPSS ) teams in every district and hospital , Radzi said it is a significant step . “ The Covid-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented impact on the mental health of the people . The psychological impact of the pandemic has caused mental exhaustion and affects almost all levels of the population . Hence , it requires serious attention .

“ The MoH has taken several measures to address mental health problems during and post-pandemic in Malaysia through the MHPSS .”

Under the MHPSS programme the MoH was working closely with the relevant stakeholders to increase the capacity of psychosocial support , especially across agencies , to provide psychosocial support services according to their needs respectively . The MHPSS includes a wide range of activities addressing the psychological and psychosocial problems among children and adolescent age groups .

The services include a psychosocial support helpline , provision of Psychological First Aid , counselling services , training of healthcare workers and volunteers , as well as pre-and post-deployment briefing . Ultimately , MHPSS activities are not limited to individuals but also target communities by building their resilience , including among children and adolescent age groups through ongoing psychological intervention following crisis post-pandemic . – The Health

THE Ministry of Health ( MoH ) established Community Mental Health Centres or MENTARI in 2014 as an extension of psychiatric services in the community . MENTARI ( Community Mental Health Centre ) provides psychiatric rehabilitation for persons with mental illness .

For any individual diagnosed with Schizophrenia , MENTARI provides support in training and rehabilitation so that the function will be optimised and the patient will be able to function . At least able to take care of self and perform activities of daily living . MENTARI also focuses on supporting employment in which the patient is encouraged to work and to be able to support themselves back to the community .

MoH Director-General Datuk Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said : “ From our data ,

1,247 cases requested for appointment and received consultation and ongoing treatment are coming from the age of 18- 24 . The majority are female ( 78 per cent ).

“ We are planning to have supported employment for youth with difficulties , and in addition to psychiatric services , MENTARI also focuses on the reintegration of mentally ill patients into the community and provides services in relation to supported employment .

“ The services also target all age groups , including children and adolescents . At present , we have more than 30 child adolescent psychiatrists in Malaysia and 66 hospitals providing psychiatric and mental health services , including for children and adolescents .

“ Those below 18 years old are mainly managed by child and adolescent psychiatrists ( 30 specialists ) in 16 MoH hospitals together with paediatricians . This group require medication , and complex conditions require multidiscipline management .”

He said mental health issues and problems are influenced by psychosocial factors . As such , strengthening strategies and collaboration with stakeholders among government and non-governmental agencies are vital in various areas , including mental health literacy , behavioural changes , and parenting .

“ The role of the media is very much needed to support the advancement of child adolescent mental health agenda ,” he added .