SHAH ALAM, July 2 — Selangor has prepared a comprehensive ecosystem for the treatment of mental health issues among its residents, said state executive councillor for public health Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud.
She said via the Selangor Mental Sihat (Sehat) programme, individuals facing mental health challenges will provided with assistance.
"Through Sehat, people can assess themselves using the SELangkah app, to determine whether they have been experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, restlessness, or stress for two to three consecutive weeks.
"These conditions can disrupt daily life, so this screening process allows for the early detection of mental health issues.
"For the first stage, we offer educational programs through access to 60 videos on mental health. However, if an individual should show signs of suicidal ideation or other concerning indicators, they will be connected with counsellors," Dr Siti Mariah said.
The councillor was speaking during a special interview on Selamat Pagi Malaysia, which was broadcasted live from Teratak Shah Bonda in Tanjung Sepat yesterday.
She said so far, the authorities have handled around 200 cases related to mental health through their screening processes, providing five treatment sessions with clinical psychologists or psychiatrists.
"I hope this ecosystem can continue as it assists those facing mental health challenges.
"Likewise, I also hope the Health Ministry will adopt this programme, so it can be implemented on the Federal level," Dr Siti Mariah said.
She added that Selangor's approach to public health initiatives is focused on prevention, rather than treatment.
"In addition to mental health screening, we can prevent non-communicable diseases including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension, through early preparation.
"We also provide free screenings for cervical, breast, colon, and prostate cancers, so that early diagnosis can lead to early treatment," Dr Siti Mariah said.
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Selangor Mental Health Programme (Sehat) coordinator Dr Muhammad ‘Adil Zainal Abidin (second from right) explains the function of Sehat to state executive councillor for public health Affairs Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (centre) during the Selangor Saring free health screening programme at Sekinchan state constituency, on June 5, 2022.[/caption]
