Mental health in an unequal world

Oct 08, 2021

By Fr Philip Chua
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on October 10 every year. The observance of this day is aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues globally, and more importantly, in mobilising resources and advocating efforts in support of mental health. This, evidently, is even more critical and merits greater distinction in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a mental health professional and practitioner, I have witnessed a shift towards a greater level of sensitivity and increasing “normalisation” of mental health as part of the broader scope of health care. This is in stark contrast to the days where mental health was one of the most neglected areas of public health care, often characterised by social stigma and discrimination, and a topic considered a taboo by many. However, whilst there is now a greater awareness of mental health issues, I acknowledge that there still is a lot more that we can do on this critical front.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on the lives of many, regardless of age, gender or social strata. Its wide-ranging impact from social to economic domains have precipitated a looming mental health crisis, as the pandemic continues to drive people towards isolation, poverty and anxiety. The pandemic has also brought social and economic inequities to the forefront. Consequently, certain groups of our society face greater risk of mental health challenges and issues. This is the hard-hitting reality of mental health in an unequal world, and it has to change. The theme of World Mental Health Day for 2021, Mental Health in an Unequal World is, therefore, both timely and apt in highlighting the disproportionate focus and the inequality of access to mental health care. More importantly, it highlights the pressing need for advancing and promoting the mental health narrative and agenda, and in striving for equitable access to mental health support.

As of October 4, 2021, Malaysia has recorded a total of 26,759 deaths attributed to COVID-19 and 2.29 million cases, with no clear signs of it abating in the immediate term. The Ministry of Health reported more than 122,000 calls via its toll-free hotlines in the first six months of 2021, where 89 per cent of callers reported psychological distress. A total of 468 lives were lost to suicide from January to May this year vis-à-vis the total annual cases of 609 and 631 in 2019 and 2020 respectively. An average of three lives are lost to suicide in Malaysia every day. These statistics are grim, alarming, and distressing. Given the magnitude of the problem, there is a need for a greater sense of urgency in intensifying mitigation efforts.

It is against this backdrop that I underscore the criticality of the call for action. A call for action that needs to transcend race, religion and socio-economic status. All of us can and should play a part. On this front, the Archdiocesan Mental Health Ministry has successfully organised several workshops and webinars on mental health care in the last 18 months. These sessions provide both understanding and context on aspects of our mental health and provide practical skills to help participants manage mental health challenges at the workplace and beyond.

The World Mental Health Day provides a platform for us to have honest and candid discussions on mental health. However, such discussions should persist as we continue to eliminate barriers, remove stigma, and demystify misconceptions about mental health. I continue to be inspired by the efforts of many in making profound changes and progress on this front and I look to you for your continued dedication and support. The only way we can make a meaningful change is when we do it together.

--Fr Philip Chua is the Ecclesiastical Assistant for the Archdiocesan Mental Health Ministry