SIBU: The Psychiatry Department and Mental Health (PDMH) of Sibu Hospital and the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) management have collaborated to organise World Bipolar Disorder Day Awareness Campaign 2024 held at UTS campus recently.
The theme for the campaign was “Strength for today and Hope for tomorrow“.
In its press statement, PDMH stated the event was aimed at creating awareness of bipolar disorder among UTS students and staffs, managing stress effectively and eliminating social stigma toward this mental health condition.
UTS vice chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab. Hamid officiated at the campaign. He was accompanied by director of Sibu Hospital, Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu, head of PDMH, Dr Wong Siong Teck, organising chairman Dr Tnew Chin Liang, co-organiser chairperson Limena Ugak together with UTS management staff.
Around 150 UTS students and staffs participated in the meaningful campaign offering activities such as seminar talks by psychiatrists, Zumba aerobic exercise by UTS students and creative painting bipolar mask as well as blowing bubbles for Bipolar.
“The participants benefited from these activities and were made aware on how to seek professional mental health help from government hospitals, health clinics, counselling centres and various mental health hotlines available in Sarawak,” the statement added.
Those who are seeking professional help for mental health can visit the Community Health clinic (KK Oya, Lanang, Sibu Jaya); Emergency department, Hospital Sibu; Klinik Pakar Psikiatri, Hospital Sibu (walk-in with referral letter); CMHC@MENTARI Jalan Oya (screening); Wellness Centre Sibu (counselling services: 084-333060); and Mental Health Association Sarawak (MHAS) or follow at their website address: https://mhasarawak.com/ Hotline: 082-231459
Mental Health helpline in Kuching, Sarawak are the Befrienders (Hotline: 082-242800) and Dee Hati Centre For Grief, Bereavement And Trauma (Hotline : 082-549 577)