THE HEALTH | OCTOBER , 2023

MINDTALK

BY DR ROZANIZAM ZAKARIA

To others , he is an example of a strong man who will do everything for his family . Despite how others have always regarded him , little do we know that he has been struggling to keep up with his life demands .

He has to work extra hours to look after his family , given that his wife is doing her postgraduate studies . He also has to look after his ill elderly parents , of whom he is the primary carer . Being the eldest , he is also responsible for supporting his younger siblings .

Things started to fall apart slowly . He started to feel burnt out and helpless . He was no longer capable of keeping up with the daily stress that he used to feel .

The sense of hopelessness grew into profound depression and anxiety . He started to feel he was a failure , and the guilt swallowed his dignity . However , he could not voice this to anybody ; he does not want to be seen as a loser .

He wants to make sure that his family knows he is capable of looking after them . Hence , he has been suffering in silence . Getting help is never an answer for him .

He does not know how or where to get help , even if he wants . He does not think he could bear the cost of the treatment or of what others might think of him . The picture of him as a mentally ill man was never in his mind .

It is a sad story of a man like Aiman . Unfortunately , Aiman is not alone in his struggle to get help . Many suffer the same .

Only 60 per cent of depressed men go for treatment and only five per cent of them use outpatient mental health services . Four in 10 men reported that they will not discuss their mental health with others .

MENTAL HEALTH IS FOR ALL

World Mental Health Day on Oct 10th suits this issue very well . The Ministry of Health ( MoH ) chose the theme Mental Health for All and Fight Against Stigma for the celebration . World Mental Health Day aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health problems and encourage people to seek help and support for their mental health concerns .

The stigma and misinformation that frequently surround mental health concerns must be reduced , and increasing awareness and understanding of mental health is essential to motivating people to seek treatment when they need it .

These are some facts to illustrate this issue :

• Only 16.5 per cent of individuals with depression worldwide seek help , and stigma around mental health is one of the primary reasons .

• Over 50 per cent of individuals will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime , making such conditions more common and relatable than previously realised .

• In a study from 2018 that surveyed over 1,000 participants , more than 30 per cent held the stigmatising belief that a weak personality causes depression .

• Only 20 per cent workers felt comfortable talking about their mental health issues with employers

• One in 10 people still believe that mentally ill individuals are violent As prompt intervention is frequently essential in improving results and preventing further mental health deterioration , delaying the treatment of mental illness can have catastrophic repercussions . Efforts to ensure equal rights for mental health assistance are needed on every level , from individuals to policymakers such as government and employers .

DELAY IN SEEKING HELP

Several factors can contribute to delays in seeking or receiving mental health treatment . This includes the issue of stigma surrounding mental health issues that discourage individuals from seeking help .

People may fear judgment or discrimination , leading to reluctance to discuss their mental health concerns or seek professional assistance . This can also happen due to the lack of awareness regarding mental illness .

Many people may not be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness or may not recognise that they are experiencing a mental health problem . This lack of awareness can result in delayed treatment .

Some may experience denial and self-stigmatisation . These individuals may deny that they have a mental health problem or may stigmatise themselves for experiencing such issues , leading to avoidance of treatment .

Some individuals may underestimate the seriousness of their mental health symptoms and believe they can manage on their own . This can lead to unnecessary delays in seeking professional assistance .

Another aspect that needs to be improved to reduce the delay in seeking help is to improve access to care . Limited access to mental health services , such as a shortage of mental health professionals , long appointment wait times , and financial barriers , can significantly delay treatment .

For those who require treatment , their fear of medication or therapy may also affect their chance of getting appropriate help . Concerns about the use of medication or therapy can deter people from seeking treatment . They may be worried about side effects , perceived negative consequences , or the therapy process . Besides that , individuals who undergo treatment also need strong support from others . A lack of social support or understanding from family and friends can further delay

Dr Rozanizam Zakaria is an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry , Kulliyyah of Medicine , International Islamic University Malaysia ( UIAM ), and currently pursuing his subspecialty training in Perth Children ’ s Hospital , Western Australia . treatment or reduce their chances of recovery . People may feel isolated and hesitant to reach out for help .

INITIATIVES TO FIGHT STIGMA

Addressing these barriers and challenges is essential to ensure that individuals receive timely and appropriate mental health care . Early intervention and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life for people with mental health conditions . Reducing stigma , increasing awareness , improving access to care , and promoting a supportive and understanding environment are all crucial steps in reducing delays in treating mental illness . If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns , it is important to seek help from a mental health professional or a healthcare provider promptly .

One of the most important social initiatives is lowering the stigma attached to mental health problems . It can be accomplished by using a multidimensional strategy that combines education , awareness , and the dispelling of myths and prejudices . Society may assist mental health by developing empathy and support , encouraging appropriate media representation , and encouraging polite language . It is crucial to foster a stigma-free workplace culture and support legislation that grants people with mental health issues equal protection under the law and access to healthcare . Different parties must work together to effectively reduce stigma , including community and mental health organisations .

Furthermore , social inclusion and participation in anti-stigma campaigns are essential to break down barriers and promote understanding . By working together to promote empathy and acceptance , we can create a more inclusive and supportive society that empowers individuals to seek help for their mental health concerns and reduces the burden of stigma on those affected by mental illnesses . – The Health