*Names changed to protect identities.
THERE IS A growing mental health crisis in Malaysia and across Asia. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in every eight people in the world live with a mental disorder.[1] In Malaysia, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, approximately 4.6% of Malaysians aged 15 and above (about a million individuals) are suffering from depression.[2]
The 2023 Malaysian Youth Mental Health Index highlights mental health trends among Malaysian youth. Around one in five youths report challenges like anxiety, depression and stress, with women more affected than men. Lower-income youths are particularly vulnerable, with financial instability exacerbating mental distress. Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, only one in three youths seek professional help, often due to stigma (60% fear being judged). Social media also affects mental health, with 50% of youths citing its negative effects, including cyberbullying.[3]
Mental health is often framed as an individual issue, as if it stems purely from personal weakness or poor coping mechanisms. This narrative ignores the broader picture—that mental health is profoundly shaped by the systems in which we live, including our families, schools, workplaces and institutions.
