Category: Journals

Look beyond hotlines for suicide prevention, say experts

July 27, 2021

The challenges some people face during the lockdown could lead to a chronic sense of loneliness, helplessness and hopelessness, says expert. (Freepik pic) PETALING JAYA: Mental health experts have called for broad and long-term approaches to the prevention of suicide. They say support hotlines, while crucial, should not be the only means of stopping people … More Look beyond hotlines for suicide prevention, say experts

Winner does not take all, say psychiatrists on gambling addiction

July 27, 2021

Gambling addicts might also have depression, which makes quitting harder. IT’S a high that you can afford to lose. Winning from gambling produces a “feel good” neurotransmitter in the brain, called dopamine and causes a person to feel pleasure. “Once the brain is denied this feeling, it looks for it and therefore the whole addiction … More Winner does not take all, say psychiatrists on gambling addiction

Social media can lead to self harm?

July 27, 2021

SHE was called “a fatty” on Facebook. Relating how his 14-year-old client developed an eating disorder after someone commented on her weight on the popular social media platform, Malaysian Mental Health Association deputy president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj shares how social media can lead to self harm. “She tried to harm herself. Teenagers are harming … More Social media can lead to self harm?

Happy to bring cheer to those who need it

July 27, 2021

PETALING JAYA: A four-year-old special canine has been appointed the top dog of a newly established animal-assisted therapy society that aims to bring cheer to special children, the disabled and the elderly. Happy Animal-Assisted Therapy Society, or Happy Therapy for short, was named after a dog rescued by canine welfare project Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better … More Happy to bring cheer to those who need it

Disabled dogs trained to be therapy and emotional support dogs

July 27, 2021

PETALING JAYA: The use of disabled canines as therapy and emotional support dogs is already established in most developed countries. Former Zoo Negara assistant director Assoc Prof Datuk Dr S. Vellayan said this was because these special dogs were found to be suitable in these two areas. “It has been found that disabled dogs which … More Disabled dogs trained to be therapy and emotional support dogs

Experts: More awareness needed to detect incest cases

July 26, 2021

PETALING JAYA: Experts have called for more public awareness on how to detect cases of incest. One way is by making teachers more aware of the tell-tale signs of sexual abuse concerning their pupils, said Malaysian Mental Health Association deputy president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj. The signs include completely avoiding a parent or being overly … More Experts: More awareness needed to detect incest cases

Expert: Animal abusers might be mentally ill

July 26, 2021

KLANG: Those who intentionally hurt animals may be suffering from serious mental health problems, says an expert. Such acts of cruelty were “a manifestation of underlying anti-social or psychopathic personality traits”, said Malaysian Mental Health Association deputy president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj. “They are characterised by impulsive behaviour, selfishness and cruelty, but what stands out … More Expert: Animal abusers might be mentally ill

Monster youngsters

July 26, 2021

The violent tendencies taking root in our society are a concern, say experts. THEY allegedly dragged two gas tanks, stolen from a nearby stall, up two flights of stairs before stacking them up in front of the dormitory door with their nozzles loose. Then they doused the area outside the room with petrol. It was … More Monster youngsters

It’s a match!

July 26, 2021

Many Gen Y-ers are on dating apps, but they still prefer to be swept off their feet in person. While there are success stories, experts say online dating can be tough due to mismatched expectations and users being overwhelmed with choices. THEIR eyes met across a crowded room. Her lips curved into a smile, giving … More It’s a match!