Mental health conditions are more common than many people realise, affecting 1 in 3 Malaysians, according to the Ministry of Health. These statistics make it the second largest health problem after heart disease which is plaguing Malaysians.
However, these conditions are often brushed off and by doing this, it can eventually lead to more severe problems down the road.
Project Umbrella: Breaking Down Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
With a mission to educate, engage, and empower individuals to prioritise their mental well-being and seek aid when necessary, Westwood Clinic, a leading pioneer in corrective aesthetics, aims to create an environment that encourages open conversations, understanding, and empathy.
“The Project Umbrella campaign is our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Together, we've built a powerful canopy of hope and compassion, where mental health is valued, supported, and nurtured,” said Dr. Jest Wong, Managing Director of Westwood Clinic.
Supporting Patients on Their Journey to Mental Wellness
In addition to offering corrective aesthetics, Westwood Clinic provides free basic mental health treatments, including andulation therapy, hypnotherapy, and compound medicine for those suffering from depression. Westwood Clinic's team of qualified professionals delivers tailored treatment solutions to address mental health concerns across all stages of life.
Looking ahead, they are embarking to introduce meal replacements designed not only to alleviate stress and anxiety but also to prevent depression. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in protecting and improving our mental health. These meal replacements are designed to replace your breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are often packed with nutrients but contain fewer calories than a typical meal. Most importantly, it also contains an extensive study and research of patented active ingredients such as Venetron and Probiotic K-016 which has recently gotten a gold medal in ITEX 2024.
The Power of AI Voice Biomarkers
To further reshape the delivery of mental healthcare, the clinic has integrated cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its operations. Complementing this nationwide initiative, Dr. Jest developed an app known as Re-Mind. What makes it stand out is that this app detects mental health states solely through voice analysis. Powered by an AI voice biomarker developed, the app can analyze the subtle nuances in a person’s voice to detect their mental health state accurately. It means that potentially millions of individuals can receive timely support and intervention, even before they are aware of their mental health struggle.
“It is a global patent that can detect stress, anxiety and depression using only 90 seconds of voice recording. Unlike traditional methods with an accuracy of around 48-49%, their technology boasts an impressive 90% accuracy rate based on extensive research and collaboration with various academic entities. This multifaceted approach supports simultaneous analysis of up to 10,000 recordings in different languages, ensuring broad accessibility and effectiveness,” said Dr Jest.
Re-Mind is an app supported by University Malaya (UM) that merges medical expertise with technology. As simple as 3 steps—download, record 90 seconds of voice, and get a report, it can detect many mental health states and potentially save countless lives.
What are Westwood Clinic’s next initiatives to help mental health patients?
"We aim to progress further by expanding our initiatives. Currently, we offer a pioneering app in digital health, innovative interventions such as meal supplements, retreats, books, and programs catering to individuals of all ages. Our goal is to launch additional campaigns and enhance our existing offerings. I firmly believe that creating a better nation begins not just through voting, but also through fostering the right mindset and having a compassionate heart."
Dr. Jest's dedication to improving Malaysia’s mental health landscape is truly admirable. As Project Umbrella progresses, it provides a ray of hope, not only in Malaysia but across the world, who may be suffering silently from mental health issues.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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