The Selangor Mental Health Association (SMHA) is taking steps to raise awareness of its programs and initiatives by reaching out to the people of Selangor through their elected representatives. Honorary secretary-general Mohan Chitran revealed that the team set up a booth at the state assembly on March 5 to directly engage with the assemblymen. They aimed to inform them about SMHA’s readiness to organize mental healthcare-related activities in their constituencies.
During the engagement, some representatives showed interest in collaborating with SMHA. Mohan emphasized the importance of mental health in the public healthcare system, attributing it to the stress and challenges of everyday life. He highlighted that conditions like depression can often go undetected without expert intervention, particularly affecting stay-at-home mothers and wives who may suffer in silence.
Recognizing the need to support this target group, SMHA sees elected representatives as a crucial avenue to provide emotional assistance. In addition to briefing the assemblymen, the SMHA team distributed pamphlets outlining their services. They also expressed interest in collaborating with the Selangor government’s mental health initiative, Selangor Mental Sihat (Sehat).
Mohan expressed hope for the state government to involve SMHA in Sehat, thanking former speaker Datuk Ng Suee Lim and current Speaker Lau Weng San for their support. The association received approval from the Ruler to pursue a collaboration with the state government. His Royal Highness acknowledged the stress faced by Selangor residents and emphasized the need for professional mental healthcare services in the state.
SMHA’s efforts to engage with elected representatives and the state government reflect their commitment to addressing mental health challenges in Selangor. By raising awareness and offering support to those in need, the association aims to play a proactive role in promoting mental well-being in the community. Their initiatives at the state assembly and potential collaboration with the government signal a positive step towards improving mental healthcare services in Selangor.
