Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail advised parents to spend more time and interact with their children to forge a more harmonious relationship.
This, she said, could help in dealing with mental health issues such as depression, which could happen to people of all ages and walks of life, Bernama reported.
“The problem of depression has doubled.
“As individuals, we have to see how to deal with it. Especially the children now, all with handphones. They are not with us but (are) in cyberspace.
“As parents, we should also look at how we spend time and interact with our children,” said the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s at the Cahaya Dhuha Sejahtera Jiwa programme at Sendayan Mosque in Seremban, Negri Sembilan.
It was organised by Pertubuhan Kebajikan Amal Silaturahim Isteri-Isteri Harapan Malaysia (Kasih Malaysia), Bakriyah Negeri Sembilan and the Sri Sendayan Mosque.
Dr Wan Azizah is chairman of Kasih Malaysia.
The programme was also attended by Welfare Organisation for Wives of Negeri Sembilan Elected Representatives and Senior State Government Officers (Bakriyah) chairman Datin Seri Wan Hasni Wan Yusof.
Wan Hasni said the programme was held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day, which falls on Oct 10 every year, as part of efforts to raise awareness of issues related to mental health.
She said all quarters needed to understand and support issues related to mental health and work to eliminate the stigma that often prevented individuals from seeking help.
Everyone should realise that mental health problems do not recognise age, background or social status, making the efforts and support of all parties necessary, she added.
