Stress driving teenagers to suicide - OCT 14, 2003: "KOTA BARU - About 130,000 out of one million children and teenagers in Malaysia are suffering so much mental stress that some commit suicide.
'Suicide is the third contributing factor to death among youths in this country,' the Health Ministry's director-general, Tan Sri Dr Mohamad Taha, said in a speech marking World Mental Day.
He said emotional and behavioural problems among young people include depression, stress, restlessness, suicidal tendencies, drug abuse, educational issues, hyperactivity and autism.
'The Health Ministry wants to give serious attention to overcome the problems. If they are treated at an early stage, 75 per cent of them can be cured,' he said yesterday.
He urged parents to monitor their children's behaviour. If there were signs of mental stress, they should immediately take their children to a hospital paediatrician.
Deputy Health Minister Suleiman Mohamed said there was an acute shortage of paediatricians, especially those specialising in counselling, in all government hospitals. -- Bernama"
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