The Demand for Mental Healthcare in Malaysia

Increased Mental Health Problems 

Nearly one billion people worldwide have a mental health condition and most of them lack access to treatment – causing an increase in demand for mental health services. In Asia, while people are becoming more open-minded about the importance of mental health, there is still a pervasive cultural taboo around the topic. It is important to understand that mental health issues are common, but it’s also important to understand that they’re not all the same. Here’s an overview of some common causes:

Causes of Mental Health

1. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors are the most common causes of mental health issues. Environmental factors account for at least 50% of all cases of mental illness. They can include anything from the death of a loved one to a divorce, or even dysfunctional family life. Sometimes, these issues can result in low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy that can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Social or cultural expectations are another common cause, which includes things like pressure to conform to gender roles and expectations, or pressure to succeed in school at all costs. Especially after the COVID-19 lockdowns, the need for mental health services became more apparent.

2. Psychological Factors

Psychological factors are also a large contributing cause to mental health issues. They can include anything from neglect during childhood, to emotional or physical trauma, to being unable to relate to others, or losing an important figure at an early age. All of these things can lead a person to develop psychological issues that may manifest as mental illness.

3. Biological Factors

Mental health issues like depression and anxiety could be caused by biological factors. If you’re genetically predisposed to mental illness, then it could be the result of your genes or your family history.

Mental health issues can also be caused by infections during pregnancy or birth defects that affect how the brain develops. There are also other biological causes that aren’t hereditary, but still, leave lasting damage to the brain. For example, substance abuse during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) which has been linked to mental illness later in life.

More Mental Health Professionals Are Needed 

There is a growing emphasis on the importance of mental health, causing an increase in demand for mental health services Following are some of the required Mental Healthcare in Malaysia and their specialisation:

1. Clinical or Counselling Psychologist – assess, diagnose and treat mental disorders using scientific methods of assessment and treatment.
2. Marriage and Family Therapist – treat individuals’ problems within their family units or intimate relationships.
3. Clinical Social Worker – work with children and adults experiencing mental illness, trauma, or other emotional problems by helping them adjust to major life changes.
4. Psychiatrist – diagnose mental disorders and prescribe medications as part of an overall treatment plan for patients with severe mental illness.

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