The Sabah Health Department (JKNS) offers mental health psychosocial support to the public as the mental health cases rise during the lockdown.
The director, Datuk Dr. Christina Rundi said that reports have shown several incidents related to suicide and mental health issues are increasing. According to New Straits Times,
"JKNS realises that certain events in life could affect a person's mental health."
"The Covid-19 outbreak, which has hit everyone around the world, has affected people in numerous ways," she said in a statement.
She added people might feel alone, isolated, stress, confined and even lead to depression due to the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
"The stress is equally bad for Covid-19 patients and their contacts who not only have to deal with the infection but stigmatization from society."
"Frontliners are also likely to be stressed due to endless work and worries over the possibility of getting infected," she said.
There is a programme dubbed "Let's Talk Mental Health" which encourages people to have non-judgmental communication and seek the necessary help.
And also, The Befrienders, a channel for the public to talk to anonymously, can be reached via 088-255788; WhatsApp number 016-8036945; or email [email protected].
Cover photo: Canva
