LETTER | Mental illness, often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, continues to be a significant public health issue in Malaysia.
Despite advances in medical science and a growing awareness of mental health, many individuals suffering from mental illness either do not receive or refuse treatment.
This situation not only hampers their ability to lead fulfilling lives but also places immense strain on their families, particularly caregivers.
We must address this issue to ensure a better quality of life for those affected and to uphold the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
A tragic story that comes to mind is that of Leela, a devoted mother of three, whose life took a heartbreaking turn when her son, Dev, began showing signs of severe depression. Dev, once a bright and cheerful young man, started isolating himself, losing interest in his studies and friends.
Despite Leela’s best efforts to encourage him to seek help, Dev refused, believing he could handle it on his own. The situation deteriorated to the point where Dev’s condition affected the entire family’s emotional and financial stability.
Leela, juggling between her job and caring for Dev, found herself overwhelmed and exhausted. Her health declined, and the family’s finances were stretched thin due to the costs associated with Dev’s sporadic and insufficient treatment efforts.
Vicious cycle of suffering
This story is not unique. Many Malaysian families are silently struggling with similar scenarios. Mental illness, if untreated, can lead to a vicious cycle of suffering and disadvantage. We must break this cycle by improving awareness and access to mental healthcare.
Firstly, we need to enhance public education about mental illness. Misconceptions and stigma are significant barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help. Community programmes, school curriculums, and media campaigns can play a crucial role in changing perceptions.
Highlighting real-life stories of recovery and the benefits of treatment can encourage those affected to come forward. Mental health should be normalised as part of overall health, with no more shame associated with seeking help than going to the doctor for a physical ailment.
Secondly, integrating mental health services into primary healthcare can make treatment more accessible. Training general practitioners and primary care nurses to identify and manage common mental health conditions can ensure early intervention.
This approach can be particularly effective in rural and underserved areas with scarce specialised mental health services.
Thirdly, support systems for caregivers need to be strengthened. Caregivers like Leela often face enormous stress and burnout. Providing them with support groups, respite care options, and financial assistance can help alleviate their burden.
Additionally, workplaces should be encouraged to adopt policies that support employees dealing with mental health issues, either personally or within their families.
Access to professional help via technology
Lastly, leveraging technology can bridge gaps in mental healthcare. Telehealth services can provide remote counselling and psychiatric consultations, making it easier for individuals in remote or underserved areas to access professional help.
Mobile apps offering mental health resources and support can also play a role in reaching out to younger populations who are more tech-savvy.
In line with SDG 3, it is our collective responsibility to ensure every Malaysian has access to the mental healthcare they need. We must foster a supportive environment where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
By doing so, we can not only improve the lives of those directly affected by mental illness but also promote a healthier, more compassionate society.
Let us remember that mental health is a fundamental part of our overall well-being. Together, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to live their best life, free from the shadows of untreated mental illness.
NITIAKALIYANI BALASUBRAMANIAM is lecturing the Nursing Department, Sunway University.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
