IN medical school, where demands are high and the pressure is even higher, the importance of mental health advocacy cannot be overstated.
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) takes a proactive stance in tackling this issue, with various initiatives aimed at both breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and fostering a supportive environment for students, faculty and the broader healthcare community.
“Support systems for mental well-being must be an integral part of a medical school’s vision, mission and values,” said NUMed student support dean Assoc Prof Dr Arun Kumar Basavaraj.
“A robust system should include awareness campaigns and activities to normalise conversations about mental health, forums for open discussion and peer support, clear guidelines on seeking care while ensuring accessibility and confidentiality, as well as the availability of trained counsellors with established referral pathways to psychologists or psychiatrists when needed.”
Mental health advocacy in medical schools is particularly crucial, given the unique challenges and stressors faced by medical students and healthcare professionals. The intense academic workload, long hours and emotional toll of patient care can lead to burnout, anxiety and depression, among other mental health struggles.
According to Arun, research indicates that medical students start with confidence and determination during the initial phase and later report increasing stress and anxiety as they progress through medical school, internships and postgraduate training.
“The lifelong learning required in the medical profession adds further layers of pressure. Medical students need to be supported in high-stress environments.
“Advocacy brings attention to the immense pressures and normalises seeking help. This is by fostering a supportive culture, reducing stigma and encouraging students to address mental health challenges early,” he explained.
Preparing future healthcare professionals
NUMed, alongside its parent university in the UK, is deeply committed to supporting students who require additional care. This is demonstrated in clearly communicated policies and processes for accessing mental health support.
To further promote awareness and reduce stigma, NUMed regularly hosts activities and initiatives on campus and social media to make mental health support visible and accessible.
These efforts create safe spaces where students feel comfortable discussing their concerns openly. The faculty team, alongside mentors, staff and tutors are also trained and sensitised to recognise signs of distress and guide students toward appropriate help.
“By embedding mental health advocacy into our institutional culture, NUMed ensures that students understand seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous and essential step towards well-being and success in their academic and personal lives,” Arun added.
For students needing psychological medicine, NUMed also provides substantial financial aid to cover consultation costs and medications, helping them to remain compliant with follow-up visits and treatment guidelines without financial strain. They also receive close follow-up from the counsellor and student support dean with regular meetings and interactions to build trust and rapport, boost students’ confidence in the support measures and enable them to continue their studies seamlessly.
Among the key initiatives at NUMed is the highly anticipated annual Mental Health Week, featuring activities that foster open discussions about mental health.
Additionally, there are student-led and faculty-supported activities such as seminars, debates and poster campaigns as well as events organised by NUMed’s student associations and societies focusing on mental health, well-being and mindfulness.
These events create safe spaces for students to facilitate meaningful conversations on mental health, share experiences, raise awareness and challenge stigmas. This, in turn, can have a profound impact on the broader healthcare ecosystem.
“A strong foundation in mental health support instils empathy, resilience and awareness in students. These future doctors will carry these qualities into their clinical practice, enabling them to approach patients with greater understanding and compassion.
“They will also be better prepared to identify mental health issues in patients, advocate for timely care and contribute to reducing stigma in society,” Arun shared.
By cultivating an environment where mental health is prioritised, NUMed is setting the stage for a healthier, more compassionate healthcare system, where both providers and patients can thrive.
Visit its On-Campus Open Day on Feb 15 to learn more about its comprehensive student support services, meet the faculty team and students, as well as explore its programme offerings and purpose-built campus. For further details, visit http://www.newcastle.edu.my, email admissions@newcastle.edu.my, call 07-555 3800, or WhatsApp 011-1231 5411/012-784 9456.