One in 5 needs mental care

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Stress levels are rising, and it is estimated that one in five Malaysians needs some form of mental health care.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad said at least 20 per cent of the 27 million people in the country suffer from some degree of stress.
The percentage could actually be higher because many people fear the stigma of seeking psychological or psychiatric help, he said yesterday at the launch of a food supplement said to reduce stress. In the last 50 years, society has undergone great changes, he said.
"Our lifestyle has changed tremendously, and so has the food level. We eat five to six times a day but we hardly sweat," he said, adding that a lack of exercise was one of the reasons for stress build-up.
He said Malaysians should not feel embarrassed about seeking help from professionals as many people in the developed world do so.
"It's not part of our culture. But it has been proven that you can reduce stress by talking to someone," he said, adding that people should seek help for stress to prevent their situation from getting worse.
There are 27 government hospitals in the country that offer psychiatric help, he said.
"Olivenol Livin", created by the Italian Prof Dr Roberto Crea, is said to help reduce stress.
The product was launched at the Prince Court Medical Centre.