Malaysia's Social Policies on Mental Health

Abstract

This article aims to review the social policies on mental health and mental illness in Malaysia. Using critical theory, major policy issues pertaining to mental health and mental illness such as mental health legislation, prevalence rates and quality of services available to the people with mental health problems are discussed in detail. Implications of these issues on persons with mental health problems are critically evaluated. The paper highlights that the other countries in ASEAN region also require similar review by policy literature.

Public Knowledge and Attitude Toward Depression and Schizophrenia: Findings From Quantitative Study in Uae

“…There is some evidence suggests life events, particularly stress social environment, may trigger the cause of schizophrenia and depression [1,5,12].…”

Infant mental health in Malaysia

“…In addition, more women are joining the nation's workforce. The average family unit has changed from a rural extended family to an urban nuclear, dual-career family (Mubarak, 2003).…”

“…With these changes, social support within and among members of local communities has been transformed (Mubarak, 2003). Due to less contact with the extended family due to parents' long working hours, urban Malaysian parents have been criticized for not spending enough time with their children (Peng, 1999).…”

“…The Western viewpoint has contributed to the isolation and stigmatization of mental health patients (Mubarak, 2003). Recent history of the stigmatization of mental health in Malaysia can be traced to the 1950s and 1960s, when official common practice was to recommend seclusion of persons with mental illness in asylums and treat them solely with drugs (Crabtree, 2005;Deva, 2004;Haque, 2005;Mubarak, 2003).…”

“…The Western viewpoint has contributed to the isolation and stigmatization of mental health patients (Mubarak, 2003). Recent history of the stigmatization of mental health in Malaysia can be traced to the 1950s and 1960s, when official common practice was to recommend seclusion of persons with mental illness in asylums and treat them solely with drugs (Crabtree, 2005;Deva, 2004;Haque, 2005;Mubarak, 2003). Mental illness was considered a purely biological issue without consideration of psychosocial aspects (Deva, 2004), with no efforts to promote preventive strategies, establish outpatient clinics in general hospitals for identifying and treating milder forms of mental health problems, or provide support in the community (Crabtree, 2005;Deva, 2004;Haque, 2005;Mubarak, 2003).…”