This is pretty concerning!
Just last year (2017) the World Health Organisation announced that depression increased by 18% worldwide. Meanwhile, a local study revealed that more than 18,000 Malaysians suffer from depression, reported FMT.
Source: Ismaweb
Based on a study conducted last year (2017), Deputy Health Minister, Dr Hilmi Yahaya shared that mental health screening programmes that were conducted on 273,203 individuals at health and community clinics found 18,336 Malaysians suffering from various stages of depression.
The stats are as follows;
- 11,811 (4.03%) people – mild depression
- 1,682 (0.62%) people – severe depression
- The rest are in between mild and severe depression
“At the same time, mental health screenings conducted by the education ministry on 253,196 Form Four students found that 0.45% or 1,163 students suffered from depression,” said Hilmi.
Source: Human Resource Research Centre
However, he further explained that although the numbers of people with depression aren’t at a critical stage yet, appropriate attention must be given in order to curb this issue. Yep, better safe than sorry.
Besides that, Hilmi also shared several factors that lead to depression, which are;
- brain chemistry imbalance
- mood regulation problems
- inability to handle life events
- genetics
- prescription drugs
He also said that the treatment for depression varies according to its seriousness.
“For mild and moderate depression, counselling and response skills and relaxation technique sessions are held,” said Hilmi.
But, he explained that people suffering from severe depression will be asked to consult family medical experts or psychiatrists for treatment as they cannot be treated similarly to those who suffer from mild or moderate depression.
Source: Asia News Today
As of now, he said there were four mental institutions in our country that specialise in treating depression, which are in the following locations;
- Permai, Johor
- Tanjung Rambutan, Perak
- Bukit Padang, Sabah
- Sentosa, Sarawak
Not only that, 33 other government hospitals also provide psychotherapy and counselling services as treatments for depression.
On the other hand, if you’re suffering from depression but are apprehensive about going to a psychiatrist or hospital, you have the option to seek help from Befrienders KL where they offer emotional support, talks, workshop sessions and seminars on listening skills, stress, suicide prevention, capacity building, and mental health awareness to help you understand your situation to overcome it.
Remember, do not keep mum about your struggles, because the only way to overcome it is to face it.
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