KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 10 -- With the number of depression cases increasing by the day, it's only proper that the Health Ministry (MOH) consider more allocation in the future to help those with the problem.
Malaysian Psychiatric Association (MPA) patron Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said he would take up the matter with the Malaysian Mental Health Advisory Council so that the budget could be increased to roll out more programmes in addressing depression in the society.
“I think (to address) depression really needs more resources in terms of financial, energy, psychologists and psychiatrists,” he told Bernama when met at the launching of a book entitled ‘Making Miracles For The Self’ at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort here today.
Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang and the author of the book Dr Sekar Jaganathan.
Earlier during his speech, Lee stressed that Malaysians have reasons to be worried about depression by looking at the daily headlines in local newspapers.
“The almost daily stories of social issues such as drug abuse and juvenile crime, rising rates of depression and suicide among our people, escalating living costs and health issues are simply so much to bear and be dealt with.
“Where should one go to find solutions to these problems? There are counselling centres and helplines to guide those who have mental issues,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Sekar on his book said that he saw the opportunity to compile counselling sessions with various individuals and groups by putting them into a manuscript.
“This is not your ordinary book, just to read and forget it thereafter. I want all of you (readers) to use it as your motivational guide, to read chapter again and again, use the examples for your own encounters, flip through it for possible answers when undergoing difficult times,” he said.
‘Making Miracles For The Self’, priced at RM40, is published by MPH Publishing and sold in all its outlets.
-- BERNAMA
