Empathy essential to mitigate Malaysia's depression, suicide rates - Psychologist

This is the fourth article in a five-part series on the issue of rising trend of suicide cases in Malaysia, where we speak to clinical psychologists to find out the reasons behind it and ways to cope. If you are feeling distressed, depressed or suicidal, help is available – speak to someone from Befrienders at 0376272929.

SHAH ALAM – In recent years, Malaysia has witnessed an alarming increase in suicide rates, a trend that highlights the urgent need for effective interventions.

As the nation grapples with this crisis, one powerful yet often overlooked tool stands out: empathy.

Suicidologist Dr Adnan Omar, who is also the Malaysia Organisation of Psychospiritual Wellbeing deputy chairman said that cultivating empathy in the community was important.

Empathy, defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a complex cognitive and emotional skill requiring education and training.

Without it, much of the counselling and therapeutic process becomes inefficient.

"We all need to have empathy for others," he said.

Adnan said this in response to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s revelation that there was a rising trend in suicide cases in Malaysia, from 609 cases in 2019 to 621 in 2020, 1,142 in 2021, 981 in 2022, and 1,087 last year.

Adnan said that even trained professionals sometimes struggle with empathy during sessions with clients, highlighting that empathy is a difficult emotion to acquire, but an asset.

He also gave examples of services to reach out to for people struggling with suicidal thoughts, attempts, and ideation, such as the Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM).

He said that KKM has increased its efforts to manage the need for mental health support in Malaysia following Covid-19.

"Such efforts include the establishment of Pusat Kesihatan Mental Komuniti (MENTARI) and the increase of mental health services at various KKM locations," he said.

He also addressed other efforts that included services and hotlines by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Befrienders, Talian Rahmah, MIASA, the Malaysian Mental Health Association and Talian ReachU by Pertubuhan Kesejahteraan Psikospiritual Malaysia, all of which could help the people in terms of improving mental health and seeking help for those suffering.

Adnan stressed the importance of reducing stigma and negative perceptions about mental health to encourage more people to seek help.

"Stigma about mental health is still prevalent among Malaysians.

"It is further complicated by various understandings and applications of the causes and treatment methods due to our various religions, cultures, and ethical backgrounds," he added on the possible factors behind stigma against mental health sufferers.

Adnan further highlighted that some clients were still reluctant to seek professional consultations and treatments.

"For those who are willing, the available services are still not enough, mainly due to the insufficient number of mental health professionals and practitioners," he said.

He said that the situation was getting better nonetheless while noting that the government had launched a few mental health programmes.

"The government has launched some mental health programmes, such as Minda Sihat, at the school level," he said while saying that it could help children significantly in getting early exposure to understanding mental health.

Adnan said that there were also non-governmental organisations that offered mental health services.

"Some of them also provide counselling services, such as Talian ReachU by the Malaysian Organisation of Psychospiritual Wellbeing," he said.

He further urged everyone to be more understanding, aware and compassionate towards others.

"Let us learn to together feel and shoulder the pain, suffering, and struggle of others," the psychologist said.