Make use of arts for mental health treatment, says former Health D-G

MIRI (Aug 1): Former Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said arts or artistic methods can be used as new tools for therapy and treatment in mental health.

According to him, the importance of arts should be expanded in the community, particularly in schools, as a channel of self-expression for those dealing with mental health issues.

“It is important to further develop arts in the school and community levels so it can be used as a tool in mental health management,” he said.

He was met after hosting a dialogue panel on ‘Art in Mental Health’, held in conjunction with the Miri Art Festival (MAF) at a hotel here today.

Dr Noor Hisham, who is UCSI Healthcare Group chairman, also encouraged those in the arts industry to further develop their talents and skills as well as use their artistic talents to express themselves.

On another note, he added MAF is a wonderful platform to highlight artists’ creative ideas.

With present technologies, he said works of art on display can be better appreciated by those patronising the festival.

“This is the first time MAF has brought together people in arts in supporting and encouraging good mental health.

“This enables us to use art in health and build a society with an artistic spirit to advance health,” he explained.

Dr Noor Hisham added arts, such as painting and sculpting, not only can be made into a hobby, but also used as a channel to express artists’ emotions as well as to find peace and reduce anxiety.

“Art is multifaceted, and it can be highlighted and commercialised.

“Art is also important as a new treatment and method in reaching the best mental health level in the country,” he said further.

Other members of the panel were Miri Hospital psychiatrist Dr Ravivarma Rao Panirselvam, along with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak psychiatrist and medical lecturer Dr Amanda Albert.

Also present was MAF festival director Azeez Salleh.