Increase In Mental Patients Due To Negative Perception By Society

BUTTERWORTH (Penang, Malaysia), Oct 14 ( Bernama) -- The negative perception of the mentally ill by society is among the contributing factors to the increase in the number of mental patients in this country. Deputy Health Minister Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the problem should be addressed fast to avoid it beoming a cancer that will worsen government efforts to address mental health issues. "We need to remove this stigma by changing our attitude towards the mentally ill. Rejection by the public or family members will cause the disease to worsen," he told reporters after launching World Mental Health Day celebration at northern state of Penang Hospital here on Sunday. The rise in the number of mental health problems among the people over the last 10 years had raised concerns to the ministry and among society. Hilmi said the increase in patients followed depression believed to be due to stress caused by financial, family problems and drug addiction. "That is why we advise people who suffer from depression to get advice on treatment at mental health centres," he added. -BERNAMA