WITH the drastic rise in cases of mental illness over the past decade, and little done to tackle the problem by the Health Ministry under previous administrations, action must be taken now.

The National Health and Morbidity Survey released this year showed an increase in depression and anxiety cases, from 12% in 2011 to 29% last year. Such cases were prevalent among adolescents, 39.7% of whom suffered from anxiety.

Mental health issues not only affect work productivity, but can lead to addiction and suicide.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Malaysia has 0.6 deaths due to suicide for every 100,000 people, but there are concerns that the figure does not reflect the true situation.

The last major legislation relating to mental health was passed in 2008, classifying long-term mental illness as a disability.

Dr Andrew Mohanraj, president of the Malaysian Mental Health Association, said among the reasons for the increase in cases of mental illness is financial burden.

“High expectations to perform in work and academic settings, and pressure on families to earn money to meet the rising cost of living, are some of the main factors.”

Lee Lam Thye, patron of the Malaysian Psychiatric Association, said young adults are “struggling to cope with their studies, work and new financial commitments”.

Given the worrying trend, there is a need to have more mental health professionals in the country.

Currently, Malaysia has a psychiatrist to population ratio of 1:100,000. WHO’s recommended ratio is 1:50,000.

“Efforts must be made to increase the number of not just psychiatrists, but family medicine specialists, clinical psychologists and counsellors,” said Lee.

With the Pakatan Harapan government promising more mental health funding, there is hope that Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad will be able to push forward measures to raise awareness about and treat mental illness.

“The new government just took over, but judging from the interest shown in Parliament by members from both sides, it is likely that the government will walk the talk,” said Dr Mohanraj.

But, the responsibility is not solely the government’s.

Dr Mohanraj said changes in the workplace are important, too, citing “flexible hours and crèches” as ways to mitigate mental illness.

Lee said mental illness does not occur suddenly, and urged people to refer those exhibiting signs to professionals.

He said symptoms of mental illness include withdrawal, decreased productivity, increased sensitivity, apathy, feeling disconnected, illogical thinking, unusual behaviour, and appetite and mood changes. – August 12, 2018.