If you’ve heard this a 1000 times, let this be the 1001st time – depression is no joke. People who have depression tend to have suicidal thoughts and the very last thing we should do is ostracise them. A lot of M’sians may think the mental health help in our country is limited, but it’s in fact the opposite. With awareness increasing, the services and help that is being offered are also getting more diverse. But did you know, we have had a mental help service that’s been operating since the 70s?
Befrienders is a non-profit organisation that provides emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, where a caring and TRAINED person will listen to you and ask questions about your feelings and well-being. Twitter user Luqman Alhakim recently shared his experience about how Befrienders saved his life when he was at the brink of depression.
Source: ToDoTech
Two years ago I called you when I slitted my wrist deeply and was bleeding to death. There'a this lady operator who's very calm and gentle, and managed to talk through me and convinced me to wrap my wrist and head to the hospital. I wouldnt be alive today if it weren't for her. https://t.co/xQsApwLuhy
— Luqman Alhakim (@itsluqmanbtw) November 10, 2019
He shared this post in response to a tweet made by Befrienders themselves where they said everything told to them is highly confidential and you don’t even have to reveal your name or any private information at all. The Malaysian government also plays major part in this as an announcement was made last August where any calls made to Befrienders would be free if you’re a telco user for any of the following eight companies:
- Celcom Axiata
- Digi Telecommunications
- Maxis Berhad
- Telekom Malaysia
- TIME dotcom
- U Mobile
- Webe Digital
- YTL Communications
*If you or anyone you know are having suicidal thoughts or have suicidal tendencies and need emotional support, call the Befrienders hotline 603-79568145 or email sam@befrienders.org.my.
It’s comforting to know that this service helps so many people and does so without any judgement!
Also read: Report: More Than 18,000 Malaysians Suffer From Mild and Severe Depression
