KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 — Neglected mental health can cause individuals to plummet towards self-destruction, erode family ties, and societal breakdown if not tackled properly.
The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) psychology officer Dr Sarada Devi R. Subramaniam said stigma and certain cultural beliefs still serve as the main obstacles stopping individuals from seeking professional help, causing most of them to choose to bury their feelings and not obtain proper treatment, even though early intervention can save lives.
“Some families fear perceptions that their child or family member has problems. But before something bad happens, it is better that we take action.
“Open your mind and use existing counselling services such as the LPPKN and the Social Welfare Department,” she said as a guest on the Kasih Lensa Keluarga podcast 'Anxiety, Stress, and Burnout: When to start to seek help?' by Bernama TV tonight.
Dr Sarada added that counselling is a safe space to get help, and certified counsellors will ensure privacy and not expose information about their patients.
“Sometimes the solutions are simple, but when you keep it in too long, the situation can become worse,” she said, noting that LPPKN also has various programmes and modules to help individuals facing mental health issues, including breathing therapy and laughing therapy to stimulate an individual to remain calm and focus on helping themselves.
The psychologist emphasised that colleagues and employers need to play their roles to prevent workplace burnout.
“We as colleagues and employers must have empathy. If we see someone feeling pressured, help and provide support.
"Self-care is also important; take time for yourself, the family, and self-therapy,” Dr Sarada said.
She said that no one should face stress alone, and that there were solutions for those facing mental health problems.
