Malaysia has developed National Mental Health Center of Excellence. Its establishment will enable better management of mental health care programs, in addition to streamlining the efforts of the government and stakeholders including non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
However, it is important to ensure that everyone who needs mental health care is not left behind. Therefore, it is hoped that the government will be able to ensure sufficient allocation for the implementation and management of the center.
There needs to be long-term investment in training more mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors and social workers. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a ratio of one psychiatrist for every 10,000 inhabitants, but there are fewer than 500 psychiatrists in the country today.
Currently, for only a minimal fee one can get psychiatric treatment from public hospitals as well as some health clinics. However, with the public mental health care system burdened with high patient volumes, waiting times can be a challenge for some. Low-income groups may be more vulnerable to mental health issues due to challenges such as economic and financial difficulties.
Based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, depression among the B40 income group was the highest, at 2.7 percent. They may not be able to afford hospital or private clinic treatment. This factor is why the government may need to consider subsidizing them to seek treatment in a private environment. This is to minimize the waiting time, thus avoiding the depression faced from getting worse.
Those with mental disorders are at higher risk of dying by suicide. However, it does not mean that those who do not have a mental disorder do not feel suicidal. So to design effective suicide prevention initiatives, supporting data is needed. The data is useful in planning effective and targeted suicide prevention strategies and policies.
In fact, good mental well-being needs to be nurtured from childhood. Adolescence is a phase of change and adaptation, which means they cannot run away from life's challenges. NHMS 2019 found 424,000 children with mental health problems. In 2021, more than 11 percent of those who contact Befrienders KL for emotional support are under the age of 20.
Mental health literacy
According to the WHO, half of all mental disorders begin by the age of 14 and three-quarters by the mid-20s. Therefore, mental health literacy should be introduced to school children.
Knowledge about mental well-being including symptoms, aspects of self-care, resilience, problem-solving skills, healthy communication and interaction, including on social media can be conveyed to school-going children. This is to encourage them to seek help.
Therefore, it is very important to have qualified and trained counselors in schools. They are able to provide support and intervention to students in need. Non-teaching staff should be equipped with basic skills in emotional support to be able to recognize students with mental health problems.
In addition, the role of Peer Counselors (PC) is important because some students find it easier to talk with their peers. These people play an important role in connecting students in distress with the counseling services available at school.
Mental health awareness programs need to be developed for parents as well. Parents need to create a safe environment at home for their children to talk openly about their struggles. Knowing when and where to seek professional help can prevent the onset of mental disorders.
Stress at work can also be a cause of mental health problems. So a safe and mentally healthy work environment is important for employee well-being.
