JOHOR BARU: Mental health awareness must be improved among the people so any issues can be detected and dealt with early, says Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah.

       “This needs to be emphasised because it can be treated and its ill effects prevented, beginning with one’s own family members and surrounding community.

       “I hope people realise that there are non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are always prepared to help those who are depressed or facing personal problems over the phone, such as Samaritan,” Her Majesty added in her speech before officiating the Mind-X virtual online seminar through Facebook here on Monday (Oct 25).

       The seminar was organised in conjunction with the state-level counselling month celebration.

       Her Majesty also said the prolonged movement control order period had impacted all levels of society.

       “While the regulations were in place to protect us from the dangers of the pandemic, it also drastically changed our daily routines and lifestyles,"

       “Many people lost their jobs and sources of income, leading to financial difficulties. This has posed a myriad of challenges, especially to their mental health,” added Her Majesty.

       Meanwhile, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad, who delivered the keynote address at the event, said Mind-X was a psychology and counselling service platform to help address mental health problems which have become a concern following the Covid-19 pandemic.

       He added that Mind-X was a comprehensive step provided by the state government to treat and prevent mental disturbance within the community, especially during the pandemic, as well as raise public awareness of the importance of mental health.

       He added that after almost two years of facing the pandemic and adjusting to the new normal, there were various issues emerging, in particular those related to mental health.

       “The pandemic has had a huge impact on the mental health of individuals throughout the world, including Malaysians.

       “According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), good health also includes mental health and not just physical health,” he said.

       Hasni said that if a mental health issue goes undiagnosed and untreated, it could result in tragic consequences.

       He said Mind-X is able to provide advocacy to the entire community through expert services on how to take care of their psychological well-being.

       “The post-pandemic (period) is the right time for the community to make use of this service to get systematic treatment,” he added.