In Malaysia, 30% of the 32 million population suffers from anxiety and/or depression. Since most cases go unreported due to stigma, that’s at least 9,600,000 Malaysians.

Picture credit: Research Gate

According to Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Hannah Yeoh, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) saw 1,929 people come in for psychological and counselling services in 2019, a 300% increase from 671 people in 2018.

What’s shocking is that in 2019, the youngest patient to receive treatment was 4 years old, while the oldest was 74 years old.

So, not only has the prevalence of such required care increased, children as young are experiencing mental health issues.

Image for illustration purposes only. (Picture credit: Pixabay)

Based on AIA’s Healthiest Workplace survey, organisations in Malaysia have lost on average 73.1 days of work time per employee due to absenteeism which cost employers an average of RM2.27 million per year.

The undeniable fact is that Malaysians of all ages and of various backgrounds and work natures are legitimately suffering from mental health issues. And the problem isn’t going away on its own.

Picture credit: SOVA University of Pittsburg