Early intervention key to helping distressed students, says Dzulkefly

THE Health Ministry is stepping up preventive measures and strengthening school-based mental health support to address suicidal behaviour among students, particularly where bullying is a factor.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry was working with the Education Ministry to improve counselling services, early detection and intervention for students showing signs of distress.

"We are carrying out various awareness and literacy activities to raise awareness on this issue," he said after launching the national-level World Self-harm Prevention Day, themed "Change the Narrative, Ignite Hope" at the Kolej Poly-Tech Mara in Meru.

Dzulkefly said the government had also launched the national anti-bullying policy, which provided a framework for efforts to address bullying and strengthen support for those affected.

He said counselling services in schools would be strengthened to include screening, early detection of behavioural changes and early intervention.

"This is important. We want to ensure that issues are detected early and that appropriate support is provided."

Dzulkefly said the ministry would also deploy its Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services team to assist affected students, schools and communities.

He said the team would conduct interventions and outreach programmes based on the needs of those affected.

"The School Health Programme is also important, particularly in terms of mental health literacy and awareness."

He said the ministry aimed to create a more inclusive and positive school environment that will enable students to develop healthy coping mechanisms and resilience.

Dzulkefly added that strategic risk communication was important, especially when addressing suicidal behaviour, as such issues must be communicated carefully and sensitively.

He said inaccurate or poorly handled communication could have unintended negative consequences.

He stressed that addressing suicidal behaviour among students also required the cooperation of multiple agencies.