KUCHING: “A permanent solution (suicide) to ‘tackle’ issues that one is facing is not the way; there is hope and better solutions to cope with it,” said psychiatrist Dr Bernard Ting Chuong Hock. This message is calling those who are feeling distressed, suffering from mental illness and having suicidal thoughts to not feel scared but to come forward, speak openly about it, and seek medical help. “We understand in Malaysia or other Asian countries, it is a taboo to talk about mental illness because when we say mental illness, what comes to mind is the person is insane or ‘crazy’ and that is not right. “That is why it is important for us to destigmatise mental illness, so those suffering can come forward, share the difficulties they are facing and get help,” he said during an interview at the Mental Health Association of Sarawak (MHAS) office yesterday. Dr Ting, who is also a medical lecturer at the Department of Psychological Medicine at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), wants people to understand that mental illness is a treatable condition .
Giving them hope is most important
“There are many mental disorders classified under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Patients with conditions like depression, if detected and treated earlier, have a higher a chance of recovery,” he pointed out. Dr Ting explained that most people choose the permanent solution because they don’t see any hope in the future and think the best way was to end it all. “Which is why we all play an important role when someone we know is feeling distressed. Look out for the symptoms and warning signs. It is alright to ask someone if they feel depressed, just asking if they’re feeling suicidal can help. This for them shows that someone still cares for them. “Ask the person how he or she is feeling, or if they need help. Sometimes words like these are very meaningful to them, because you make them feel they are still emotionally and mentally ‘present’ in the present,” he reminded, adding that family, friends, and spiritual support are important for one to recover.
The mindset of the society needs to change
“When we know someone is suffering from mental illness, we should not stigmatise them. We need to accept and not judge them, and try to understand what the person actually feels,” he stressed. Dr Ting pointed out that communication is something people also need to improve on when they see someone struggling with mental illness, rather than labelling them as ‘insane’.
Educate about mental health from an early age
“Parents also play an important role. They must educate their young ones about mental
illness and not to instil a negative mindset that people with mental health issues are ‘crazy’ or aggressive,” he said. Dr Ting then said compared to Western countries, Malaysia is still lacking behind in mental health awareness. “Educating the importance of looking after one’s mental health is crucial and must start from young. “The current condition is that, we don’t have the resilience to help cope with emotion. This is why we must teach students how to take care of themselves, and how to manage their emotions when they are feeling stressed, angry, sad or depressed,” he said. He said mental health professionals and policy makers should come together and look into how such programmes can be implemented from primary to s e c o n d a r y s c h o o l s .
Patience, love and support
Dr Ting said not everything can be done quickly — when it comes to mental health issues, it takes time but what is important is to help those suffering to rise again. “It also takes time for the sufferers to accept that they have mental health issues as they stigmatise themselves too. They would think that they are abnormal and different from others and don’t belong in society,” he said. He said psychologists play a role in building their trust and engaging with them to help them on their road to recovery. “It is normal for one to still feel depressed even after taking
medication or going through psychotherapy. “But with medication and proper treatment, they can better understand their emotions and are able to cope,” Dr Ting added.
How to s e ek help?
Dr Ting urged family members to seek help for their loved ones who are suffering from mental health issues. They can always consult a doctor at any health facility. Explain your symptoms and request for a referral letter to Sentosa Hospital or a psychiatric clinic. Appointments will be made after that. A specialist may prescribe you medicine and/or schedule psychotherapy or counselling sessions. The numbers to call for help are 082-612321 (Sentosa Hospital), 082-241753 (SGH Department of Psychiatric and Mental Health), 082-440661 (Klinik Kesihatan Petra Jaya), 082-507333 (BMC Psychiatry and Psychology Clinic), 082-422219 (Permai Specialist Clinic), 082412819 (Yap Psychiatry Specialist Centre), 082-365777 (KPJ Kuching), 082-234466 (Timberland Medical Centre) or 082-440055 (Normah Specialist Medical Centre). There are also counselling services at Bodhi Counselling (082-256428/082-256429), Sarawak Women for Women Society Crisis Phone Line (082422660), Grance Centre Kuching (082-256411), Befrienders Kuching (082-242800), Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development Counselling Unit (082-411036), and Mental Health Association of S a r a w a k Kuching Branch ( 0 8 2 231459).
