Public advised to contact 1677 helpline for mental health assistance
The appeal follows public criticism directed at the Maldives Police Service after the death of an 18-year-old student at the MNU dormitory.
The Ministry of Health Maldives has urged individuals in need of mental health support to contact the National Mental Health Helpline at 1677.
The appeal follows public criticism directed at the Maldives Police Service after the death of an 18-year-old student at the Maldives National University dormitory earlier this week.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry said the 1677 helpline provides round-the-clock psychological first aid for individuals facing mental health concerns.
The Ministry stated that it is working with professionals and relevant institutions to strengthen mental health services, including both immediate response and longer-term support.
It also highlighted the role of families, friends and the wider community in supporting individuals experiencing distress, noting that regular communication and attentive listening can help identify and respond to such situations.
The statement raised concerns about the sharing of content on social media that may affect individuals facing mental health challenges. The public was advised to avoid circulating distressing material, unverified information, and sensitive images.
The Ministry also called on media organisations and the public to exercise caution in reporting and sharing information related to such incidents.
“Prioritise messages of support and responsible communication,” the statement said.
The Ministry added that mental well-being requires collective responsibility and urged continued awareness and engagement on the issue.
