Mental Illness Awareness Campaign Next Month

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- August is Mental Health Month.
The month-long campaign, organised by the Mental Health Foundation, is to create public awareness on mental illness and how to assist the patients, and to correct people's negative perception of the illness and patients.
Foundation chairman Tan Sri Abu Hassan Omar said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was scheduled to launch Mental Health Month 2006 at the Putra World Trade Centre on Aug 10.
In conjunction with the launch, a seminar entitled "Building Awareness -- Reducing Risks: Suicide and Mental Illness" will be held for the print and electronic media.
"The seminar is organised by the Malaysian Psychiatric Association and Malaysian Mental Health Council in conjunction with Schizophrenia Awareness Day.
"It aims to give information on mental illness, treatment and caring methods and rehabilitation so that the media can play a role in helping to correct public perception of the illness and patients," Abu Hassan said.
A two-day Mental Health Futsal tournament will be held at the Ampang Sports Complex from Aug 19. The winners will take home the Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad Trophy.
Meanwhile, a Mental Health Charity Golf tournament will be held at the Sungai Long Golf & Country Club on Aug 26. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail, will take part in the event.