Depression, anxiety, helplessness, anger, frustration and hopelessness.

These are some of the feelings that many of us are experiencing now because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quite a number are also suffering in silence, and this silence can sometimes result in death.

According to alarming statistics by the police, there have been an average of about four suicide cases a day in Malaysia in just the first quarter of this year.

Look for warning signs

Highlighting the matter, health director-general Tan Dri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah called for Malaysians to be more mindful and look out for warning signs.

"This year up to March, a total of 336 suicide cases have been reported to the police. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact towards the mental health of individuals all over the world, including Malaysia.

“Some individuals have a higher risk of suffering from mental health issues including depression, especially when under tremendous stress or when isolated from a support network of friends and family,” he said as reported by The Star.

He added that certain individuals were at a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems including depression that could eventually lead to suicidal tendencies.

"The public is urged to be more aware of family members and people around them who may display signs of depression that could lead to suicide,” he added in a statement.

Get a professional to help

He explained that people who are suicidal must seek professional help immediately.

Others around this individual should also show more empathy and be less judgemental.

The Health DG added that the media also needed to be more responsible when reporting suicide cases and the public themselves should stop sharing videos or images of people committing suicide.

“Spreading such videos on social media might encourage individuals with risk to emulate and commit copycat suicides,” said Dr Noor Hisham.

Those who think they're in trouble can contact the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) hotline at 03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392.

You can also reach out to Befrienders at 03-7627 2929.