Views of young people in Malaysia on mental health, help‐seeking and unusual psychological experiences

Abstract

Aim: Mental health problems are prevalent among young people in Malaysia yet access to specialist mental health care is extremely limited. More context-specific research is needed to understand the factors affecting help-seeking in youth, when mental health problems typically have first onset. We aimed to explore the attitudes of vulnerable young Malaysians regarding mental health problems including unusual psychological experiences, help-seeking and mental health treatment.Methods: In the present study, nine young people (aged 16-23 years) from lowincome backgrounds participated in a semi-structured interview about their perspectives on mental health problems, unusual psychological experiences and help-seeking.

Mental health literacy: A systematic review of knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders in Malaysia

“…A diagnosis of mental health issues was shown as a risk to reputation (Berry et al, 2019). Furthermore, family members avoided discussion on this topic if any of the relatives had a mental health problem (Chang & Horrocks, 2006).…”

“…The 25 studies (Abdul Kadir & Bifulco, 2010; Abdullah et al, 2016; Berry et al, 2019; K. S. Chen & Kok, 2017; Chu et al, 2018; Edman & Koon, 2000; Fernandez et al, 2016; Hanjeet et al, 2007; Ibrahim et al, 2019; Jacob et al, 2015; Keng, 2005; Khan, Sulaiman, et al, 2009; Khan, Syed Sulaiman, et al, 2009; Khan et al, 2010; Loo & Furnham, 2012, 2013; Loo et al, 2012; W. Y. Low et al, 1995, 1996; H. M. Low & Zailan, 2018; Shoesmith et al, 2018; Swami et al, 2008, 2010; Yeap & Low, 2009) mentioned mental health knowledge.…”

“…Each aspect of MHL has different sub‐components, it is important to recognize which components are evaluated. Furthermore, worth noting is that only 8 of the 46 studies (Berry et al, 2019; K. S. Chen & Kok, 2017; Fernandez et al, 2016; Ibrahim et al, 2019; Loo & Furnham, 2012; H. M. Low & Zailan, 2018; W. Y. Low et al, 1995, 1996) assessed all three sub‐components of MHL as per definition of Jorm et al (1997) and Kutcher et al (2016).…”

Spiritual Relationship, Resilience and Coping Strategies on Readiness of Seeking Guidance and Counselling Services Among Substance Abuse Secondary Students

“…There are a few factors that have become the barrier to these types of services according to Berry et al (2020). In studies that were conducted in Malaysia, counselling assistance that involve adult mental health patients or those with an unknown age is limited.…”

“…This situation has caused teenagers and school students to always be at risk of being exposed with the activity of substance abuse. Berry et al (2020) stated that finding help is classified as an acting agent, involving an active process of seeking help and becoming spontaneously ready and active in facing their problems. Participants in this study had confirmed psychological therapy to be potentially effective in enhancing overall wellness and overcoming certain problems.…”