Health Ministry expands school mental health support amid student suicide concerns

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has announced plans to enhance school mental health support in Malaysia, following concerns over rising student suicide rates. The expansion of counseling services aims to detect behavioral changes early and provide timely intervention for distressed students, particularly those affected by bullying.

During the launch of the national-level World Self-harm Prevention Day, Dr Dzulkefly emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the issue by implementing awareness and literacy activities.

The government has also launched a national anti-bullying policy, providing a framework to tackle bullying and strengthen support for those affected. The Ministry of Health's Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services team will collaborate with affected schools and communities to conduct interventions and outreach programs. The School Health Programme will play a crucial role in promoting mental health literacy and awareness among students.

Dr Dzulkefly stressed the need for strategic risk communication when addressing suicidal behavior, highlighting the potential for inaccurate or poorly handled communication to have unintended negative consequences. In 2022, the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline, HEAL 15555, assisted a total of 518 suicide crisis cases, with 347 cases involving suicidal ideation receiving intervention and 171 suicide attempts referred for hospital treatment.

The hotline, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, received 267,873 calls, with 82% of callers receiving emotional support and 18% receiving specific intervention from counseling psychology officers.