Changing long-held negative attitudes and beliefs about mental healthcare

We need to address the very real fears people have that, if they seek help for mental health issues or reveal that they’re struggling, they might lose their jobs or be disowned by friends and family. — 123rf.com

During World Mental Health Day on Oct 10, 2023, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called for the end of mental health stigma. He reminded us that mental health is something we all have and urged that we move away from attitudes that stop people seeking support.

Dr Chua Sook Ning, clinical psychologist and founder of mental healthcare NGO Relate Malaysia, shares some practices for tackling the problem.