It may have seemed like Malaysia was heading to become a nation with accessible international travel and mass gatherings once more with functional ‘new normals’ in place. Sadly, the recent outbreak over key areas all over the Klang Valley and the entire state of Sabah have relegated the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) back in action.

Understandably, mental health has been plunged into yet another roller coaster of ‘lets-see-what-happens’ again.

Here are some mental health hotlines for you to keep in check with yourself!

Buddy Bear

A step forward in ensuring children are also receiving proper mental health support in this uncertainty and high-risk era, Buddy Bear is a helpline specially dedicated to the young ones. Established by HumanKind, an organisation for vulnerable communities, trained volunteers with Psychological First Aid (PFA) and registered mental health professionals are committed to apply active listening skills, assessing immediate needs, providing solutions, and putting the at-risk in connection to more help. Buddy Bear operates from 12pm to 12am, seven days a week. Language options cover Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, and Tamil.

Call: 1-800-18-2327
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pg/buddybear.humankind

Malaysian Mental Health Association

This non-profit voluntary organisation was established back in 1967 to promote mental health awareness and public mental wellbeing. Basic psychological support service is available for only RM50, but sessions with a certified counsellor for more urgent issues are at RM100 per session (RM120 for preliminary). Should you be having some financial difficulty, the organisation has a subsidy programme to help.

Call: 017-6133039
Website: https://mmha.org.my/find-help/psychological-support-services/

MentCouch Psychology Centre

A familiar one, MentCouch is offering a ‘Lend an Ear’ service under their Wellbeing Services for those needing affordable and cost-effective connections. Call in to have a judgement-free and safe environment with an active listener. A special promotion for psychology consultation sessions will be at RM100 only in conjunction with World Mental Health Day (available until 10 November 2020).

Call: 03-27129372
Website: https://mentcouch.com/

Ashwini Balagopal (MBPsS)

As a graduate in MSc Child & Adolescent Mental Health, Ashwini is a certified psychologist licensed and a Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). Noticing the amount of domestic violence, child abuse, and anxiety many students faced during the first MCO wave, she has expanded her practice to include play therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy for depressive disorders in 3 to 12 year olds. She also caters to college students and young adults (up to 30 years old) in the KL region. A session will cost an average of RM65+- and will cover 1-hour-long therapy or mindfulness.

Call: https://www.facebook.com/AbchildpsychologistWebsite: https://www.instagram.com/ab.childpsychologist/

PlusVibes App

If you find actually talking to another a bit difficult, try this app for some preliminary wellness. Besides providing a local listing of accessible mental health associations, you can also anonymously chat to trustees and professionals freely. Reading materials, videos, and meditation guides are also available.

Website: Download from Google Play or App Store.

The Mind Faculty KL

A private mental health clinic located in Solaris, Mont Kiara, over 20 practitioners are ready to provide affordable therapy at a starting price of RM80. Services offered cover psychiatric, psychological, counselling, and complementary programmes. Sessions are by appointment only.

Call: 03-6203 0359
Website: https://www.themindfaculty.com/

Telenita

Curated by the All Women’s Action Society, Telenita is a hotline for at-risk, gender-based domestic issues. Counselling and legal referencing services are available and free of charge. Hotlines are open every Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Call: 016 237 4221
Website: https://www.awam.org.my/

These mental health hotlines cover everyone, from the youngest one in the family struggling with school and relationships, to the oldest dealing with repression and other issues.

Don’t reach physical levels of sick to reach out for some help! Anxiety, restlessness, and other issues keeping you from feeling like yourself are nothing to be ashamed about. Break the stigma on mental health and ensure you, your family, and friends are taken care of from all angles possible!