I write this column from London where the World Congress of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is currently taking place. It was in August 1948 that the WFMH held the first International Congress on Mental Health, also in London. The Congress now returns 74 years later to the same historical multi-purpose venue of … More Putting the global spotlight on mental health
For some of us who have recovered from Covid-19 and are still experiencing some symptoms, we could have what is known as post-Covid or long Covid. According to Dr Janet Diaz, the World Health Organization’s Head of Clinical Management, this emerging illness occurs in individuals who have had confirmed or probable new coronavirus infections, “usually … More Psychological scars from long Covid
For many of us, it may be hard to look the other way from news of the conflict in Ukraine now, despite being thousands of miles away from the scene. Some of us may know of Malaysians having to terminate their studies or jobs to escape from being caught in the war.For all Malaysians, … More When your mental health suffers from vicarious trauma
“CIVIL servant loses over RM700k in a scam” read the heading of a news article (The Star, March 1) last week. Many, reading such stories, perhaps just raise their eyebrows and shake their heads, wondering how people can be so gullible. Whether it is the Macau scam involving a “high ranking official”, the love scam … More Scammers use these psychological methods to influence you
SEVERAL weeks ago, an incident involving a youth with a substance addiction problem being punished by the local community, was widely shared on social media. It was reported that the youth was apprehended for theft. In response to the unusual retaliation by the community, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said stigma amongst members of society towards … More I am addicted to substances for a reason
DISASTERS are a complex global problem and an inevitable fact of life. Every year, individuals and communities are affected by natural disasters that disrupt their economic and social development, as well as jeopardise their mental health and wellbeing. The recent floods in our country, which are nothing short of a national calamity, are no exception. … More Dealing with the psychological trauma of disasters
It was mentioned in Parliament on Nov 22 (2021) that among 100,000 primary school pupils screened nationwide, 12.5% of the Year 5 and Year 6 students were found to be at risk of developing depression, anxiety, and stress. These figures should make us sit up and be very concerned. The Covid-19 pandemic is likely to … More Reassuring our students that we’ve got this
There were lots of interesting things happening in the area of mental health last month (October 2021), the highlight of which was the World Mental Health Day that falls on Oct 10 each year. There was excitement galore with a variety of mental health-related events and webinars. The online and print media played their part … More Wins for mental health in the month of October
Great engagement with Dato Dr Andrew Mohanraj of Malaysian Mental Health Association. We spoke about more accessible mental health first aid training courses, expanded role for NGOs & some early thoughts on a National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health. https://twitter.com/Khairykj/status/1450036710901833731?t=UV0k7hclZBYxM3IraNYm0A&s=08
WORLD Mental Health Day falls on Oct 10 every year. In 2021, we urge that private health insurance in Malaysia be expanded to cover and reimburse payments made for mental healthcare services. This will increase access to affordable mental healthcare services and place Malaysia on par with many developed countries. Then it will be a … More Expand insurance coverage to include mental healthcare
Dr. Andrew Mohanraj 