PETALING JAYA: The growing number of Malaysians seeking help for mental health issues should not be viewed negatively, say mental health experts.
In fact, this shows that Malaysians are more open to getting help and it can be viewed as a positive step towards the destigmatisation of mental health issues, said psychologist Assoc Prof Dr Anasuya Jegathevi Jegathesan.
She said things such as fear of the unknown contributed significantly to depression and anxiety among Malaysians.
“At the same time, the surge in online scams has further eroded trust, increasing anxiety levels among Malaysians.
“The ripple effects of these scams extend beyond direct victims, as the pervasive sense of an unsafe environment fuels broader mental health challenges,” the University of Cyberjaya’s Psychology and Social Sciences Faculty dean said.
Dr Anasuya said an early sign of mental health issues is the drastic change in a person’s behaviour.
“This change in behaviour can last for days and people are unable to function due to this. This is when you know you should be seeking professional help,” she said.
In the complex landscape of mental health, the biopsychosocial model provides a comprehensive framework to understand the onset of disorders like depression and anxiety, said UCSI University’s head of programme for psychology, Arman Imran Ashok.
He said the model considers the interplay of biological, psychological and social factors, each contributing to an individual’s mental health in distinct ways.
“Biologically, individuals may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety and depression. This genetic legacy can make them more susceptible to these conditions, especially if there is a family history of mental health issues.
“The biological component highlights the importance of understanding family medical history when assessing mental health risks,” the clinical psychologist said.
Arman added that psychologically, how an individual perceives and reacts to the environment can significantly influence their mental health, such as using anger to mask their depression.
He said social upbringing plays a crucial role, such as when children raised in high-pressure environments with expectations of perfection may develop a worldview where failure is unacceptable.
“This mindset can lead to increased stress and anxiety in various life situations, such as workplace challenges or personal relationships,” he added.
Another issue that could lead to mental health issues is environmental stressors, which can come from workplace dynamics, family issues and living conditions.
“Workplace politics and home life stress, including extended family conflicts or caring for a child with special needs, can significantly impact mental health,” he said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said 223,773 self-assessments had been conducted via the MyMinda platform since its launch on Oct 10, 2023 to Jan 23 this year.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said a total of 44,901 civil servants are at “high risk” of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidal behaviour, based on the findings of the Public Service Psychological Health Digital Profiling System (MyPsyD).
On Feb 26, Dzulkefly said 39.5% of respondents of the MyMinda mental health screenings are at risk of experiencing depression.
While the figures show that Malaysians are willing to seek assistance through the Health Ministry’s Talian Heal 15555 helpline or to share more about their mental health, Arman said there is still a long way to go in addressing mental health issues as a whole.
He said individuals must treat the issues by seeking further treatment with healthcare professionals to ensure they are properly diagnosed.
“Treat it like going to the dentist – you do not wait until your tooth is aching. We don’t wait until there is a huge problem,” he said.
