MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
1. The Ministry of Health is aware and concerned that there have been recent reports of suicides or attempted suicides in our community and wishes to provide advice and reassurance to the public.
2. Suicide is a major public health issue with wide-ranging consequences encompassing social, emotional and economic outcomes. 1 in 5 people is likely to experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. The factors that lead an individual to suicide are usually multiple and complex; these include mental disorders such as depression, addiction problems such as drug abuse, and socio-economic problems such as debt, financial and relationship difficulties.
3. Effective suicide prevention requires participation from multiple government and non-government sectors, and from the community as a whole. Public awareness and understanding about suicide play significant roles in suicide prevention, and may encourage those at risk of suicide to seek help. Seek treatment early; it is strongly advised for individuals to seek immediate help if they are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Speak to a friend or family member that you trust and seek professional help from a doctor or a psychologist.
4. The Ministry of Health offers walk-in psychology clinics during office hours that provide counselling and "Talk Therapy". These are available at:
| Walk-in Psychology Clinics | Contact Number | Operating Hours |
| Clinical Psychology Division, Department of Medical Services, 2nd Floor, Old Nursing Hostel, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital | 2240162 (Office) 7212697 (Mobile) | Monday – Thursday & Saturday 7:45am – 12:15pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm Closed on Public Holidays |
| Community Psychology Division, Department of Health Services, 1st Floor, Simpang. 32 – 37, Flat B30, Anggerek Desa, Jalan Berakas | 2333214 (Office) 8699614 (Mobile) | |
5. In emergency cases whereby one is seriously at risk of suicide, and if it is out of office hours, individuals are advised to attend the Accident & Emergency Department of the nearest hospital to be assessed and treated. On-call mental health doctors are available 24 hours a day to assess patients in Accident & Emergency when needed.
6. In non-emergency cases, members of the public can also seek assistance from health professionals at any of the health centres . Doctors will be able to make an assessment and provide patients with suitable treatment. Additionally, the patient may also be referred to a mental health specialist or psychiatrist. Referrals to see a mental health specialist will be seen at the following sites by appointment:
| Mental Health Specialist Clinics | Contact Number | Operating Hours |
Psychiatry Services, Simpang 253-79, Kampong Kiarong, Bandar Seri Begawan | 2454644 (adult clinic)
2425090 (child clinic) | Monday – Thursday & Saturday 7:45am – 12:15pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm Closed on Public Holidays |
Psychiatry Services, Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Health Centre Kampong Sungai Asam, Mukim Lumapas | 2454644 (adult clinic) for enquiries | Monthly clinic by appointment |
Psychiatry Services, Jubli Perak Sengkurong Health Centre, Kilometer 16, Jalan Tutong, Kampong Sengkurong | 2454644 (adult clinic) for enquiries | Monthly clinic by appointment |
Psychiatry Services, Berakas Health Centre,Jalan 10 Selatan,Rancangan Perumahan Lambak Kanan | 2454644 (adult clinic) for enquiries | Monthly clinic by appointment |
Psychiatry Services, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital,Tutong | 4261105 | Monday – Thursday & Saturday 7:45am – 12:15pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm Closed on Public Holidays |
Psychiatry Services, Suri Seri Begawan Hospital, Kuala Belait | 3335331 ext 3249 | Monday – Thursday & Saturday 7:45am – 12:15pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm Closed on Public Holidays |
Psychiatry Services, Sungai Liang Health Centre, Sungai Liang, KC 1135 | 3335331 ext 3249 (adult clinic) for enquiries | Monthly clinic by appointment |
Psychiatry Services, Seria Health Centre Jalan Lorong 1 Barat, Seria 1133 | 3335331 ext 3249 (adult clinic) for enquiries | Twice monthly clinic by appointment |
Psychiatry Services, Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Hospital, Temburong | 5221526 ext 202 | Monday – Thursday & Saturday 7:45am – 12:15pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm Closed on Public Holidays |
7. The Ministry of Health would also like to emphasize the importance of providing support to individuals who are at risk of suicide and to treat him or her with respect. Offering help to a family member, friend or colleague, such as listening to their concerns, asking the person what you can do to help or offering to accompany them to see a doctor or psychologist can make a lot of difference. This may also include calling up an ambulance or the police for assistance if the person is at serious risk of suicide.
8. The Ministry of Health is currently developing a national helpline to help those who are thinking of suicide or for those who are in need of advice to help a person with suicidal thoughts. The Ministry will provide an update to the public once this national helpline is available. In this regard, the Ministry advises members of the public to be cautious about unauthorised individuals or entities that claim to provide professional mental health or suicide support and services via web-based, unverified telephone numbers or mobile applications in the country.
9. For further information on Mental Health Services in Brunei Darussalam, the public can visit the Ministry of Health website at www.moh.gov.bn or call Talian Darussalam 123.
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Reference : KK/PR/3
Date : 4 August 2018
