Surge in Heal 15555 calls reflects growing mental health awareness, says Dzulkefly
IPOH: A sharp increase in calls to the Heal 15555 (Help with Empathy and Love) mental health helpline reflects not only growing mental health challenges but also greater awareness among Malaysians about seeking help, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
A significant surge in calls to the mental health helpline, Heal 15555, indicates both increasing mental health challenges and greater awareness among Malaysians about seeking help, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. In 2023, the helpline received 27,738 calls, which rose to 42,990 in 2024 and almost doubled to 90,981 last year.
Dzulkefly, speaking at the launch of the national-level World Self-harm Prevention Day event, emphasized that the rising numbers are not solely a reflection of more Malaysians experiencing mental health issues, but also indicate growing mental health literacy and willingness to seek help. The HEAL 15555 helpline has handled 267,873 calls over four years, with 82% receiving emotional support and 18% receiving more specific interventions.
The helpline has also addressed 518 crisis cases, including suicidal behaviour, with 347 cases of suicidal ideation receiving direct intervention and 171 suicide attempt cases referred through cooperation with police and emergency departments. Dzulkefly stressed the importance of saving lives, highlighting that the availability of the helpline provides an avenue for people in distress to seek immediate support, aiming to change the narrative around mental health issues.
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