FIRST STEPS TO GETTING SUPPORT
If you or someone you know is struggling, you aren’t alone. There are many services and types of support available. EARLY WARNING SIGNS can indicate if you are are experiencing a mental health condition.
Have you been feeling down? Worrying about bad things happening all the time? Feeling stressed a lot of the time? Having difficulty focusing at work / school? Having trouble sleeping? Experiencing racing thoughts or panic? Hearing voices or seeing things that other people do not?
Help is available for you, so lets get started ….
Need Urgent Mental Health Support ?
If you feel like harming yourself or others, call 999 or go to the nearest hospital.
Find out where you can get help in Sarawak, which medical and psychiatric services are operating, and what support lines are available
1. Visit your family doctor or general practitioner
- Ask for a referral to see a psychiatrist Or Find psychiatry services in your area
Then you can choose one that suits you
Your options might include:
- Referral to government polyclinic/ hospital psychiatry services
- Private psychiatrist
Some services are listed HERE
and by the Malaysian Psychiatric Association HERE
Psychiatrists primarily diagnose mental health conditions, and prescribe medication. You should always ask your psychiatrist about all your treatment options, and for a referral to a clinical psychologist or counsellor for therapy
- Ask for a referral to see a counsellor Or Find counselling services in your area
Then you can choose one that suits you
Your options might include:
- Counselling referral to government polyclinic (Klinik Kesihatan)
- Private Counsellor
- Free counselling sessions from NGO (sometimes limited in number of sessions or capacity)
Some services are listed HERE
When looking for a counsellor, always make sure you find someone who is accredited by the Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia
3. Follow the guidance and instructions
- Whether you see a psychiatrist, a counsellor, or whether they refer you to another professional like a clinical psychologist, or social worker, it is important to be patient with the process.
- Change doesn’t happen overnight, but the therapeutic journey will help you to make good choices and to improve your situation.
- It is important that you give your psychiatrist, counsellor, or other professional accurate and detailed information, including how you feel about the therapy / support they are providing. If you are not happy with how things are progressing, it is ok to tell them – they are there to get you the support you need
- Do not stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your psychiatrist