By ANTHONY THANASAYAN
Star2.com
Sept 3, 2015 – After 58 years of independence, what kind of support system do we have for Malaysians with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, acute emotional distress or those who feel suicidal?
This was among the questions I put forward to consultant psychiatrist Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj, who is also Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine in Serdang, Selangor.
Dr Mohanraj was quick to point out that while there are some excellent services provided by the Government and private health sector, the reality is that much remains to be done. He raised the following points for our nation to take stock of with regard to mental health services and the gaps that need to be filled.
- Crisis services
A sympathetic ear is often all that’s needed for those who want to pour out their problems and such catharsis satisfies immediate needs.
“More of such services, manned by trained personnel, are needed in society,” said Dr Mohanraj.
- Human resources
Dr Mohanraj believes that investing in appropriate human resources can generate enormous returns in terms of reducing disabilities caused by psychiatric conditions. Early detection and intervention will result in the mental well-being of the population.
- Role of private hospitals
Not all private hospitals have psychiatric outpatient care. And not a single private hospital in the country has inpatient facilities for psychiatric care.
- Psychiatric rehabilitation
Psychiatric services focus on “symptom remission”, that is, provide intervention through medication to improve mood or get rid of psychotic symptoms, especially in persons with chronic mental illnesses.
“Persons who suffer from chronic mental illnesses like schizophrenia would have lost the skills to perform even simple tasks. They are often shy and withdrawn. Psychosocial intervention explores the full spectrum of rehabilitation to restore dignity to persons with mental illness,” explained Dr Mohanraj.
- Workplace stress
Dr Mohanraj believes corporate houses in Malaysia have not woken up to the fact that depression in the workplace, often disguised as physical complaints, can result in absenteeism and loss of productivity.
“It would be better for big corporations to invest in some form of Employee Assistance Programme and take proactive measures to prevent workplace stress and depression.”
He pointed out that suicides, anxiety and substance abuse are on the increase among students across the country.
Alarmed by this, teachers from at least six schools around the country have been trained to provide mental health intervention for students who need help, under a special programme called Sekolah Minda Sihat.
More schools – especially urban schools – need to be included in this programme.
“The responsibility of promoting mental well-being lies in all of us – from individuals to social groups and businesses. The current corporate social responsibility in mental health issues is rather dismal in Malaysia compared to other countries in the region. It’s time to embark on a courageous transformation programme to provide the full spectrum of mental health services,” added Dr Mohanraj.
The news article was first published in Star2.com on 3rd September 2015.
For full article, please read: http://www.star2.com/living/viewpoints/2015/09/03/gaps-in-mental-health-services/
Dr. Andrew Mohanraj 