Over 100,000 individuals receive mental support services from MIASA since August 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Over 100,000 individuals have received mental support services from the Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA) from August 2020 till March this year, said MIASA president Anita Abu Bakar.

She said from this number, the 25-year-olds to 40-year-olds were the age group who made the most calls whereas the eight-year-olds were the youngest callers.

Anita said this situation arose because many individuals, including children, had lost their support systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the pressure of not being able to meet and interact physically with teachers and classmates.

“This has resulted in many, including children, who do not know the way to express their feelings when confined to their houses, or whose parents are busy. Due to a combination of factors, many have mental health issues.

“Thanks to social media, many of them were able to reach out to us (MIASA), and from here, we offer them help sessions with their parents' permission but unfortunately, some of them are already in a bad situation…depressed, having extreme anxiety and some are even suicidal,” she said.

She said this at the closing ceremony for the 'Kick for Mental Health' Charity Football Match, organised by MIASA, which was officiated by National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMH) patron, Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium today.

Meanwhile, Ras Adiba in her speech urged the community to not be ashamed and immediately seek support if they suspect they have mental health problems.

She also said it was not an offence for a person to seek mental help because not all things in life can be controlled according to one's wishes.

“Don't be ashamed because we are fragile. It is important for us to reach out (to get support). We need to realise that it is okay not to be okay...no one is perfect,” she added.

-- BERNAMA