Mental health landscape in Malaysia

The mental health landscape in Malaysia has become a focal point for research, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-existing mental health issues were exacerbated during the pandemic due to various stressors—social isolation, fear, economic downturn, and the threat of illness, contributing to heightened psychological distress within the population. Studies have shown increased instances of anxiety, depression, and stress during this period, with particularly high levels of psychological distress observed among healthcare workers and vulnerable populations (Bahar et al., 2024; (Joo et al., 2023; (Deris, 2023)Hock et al., 2022; .

A significant contributor to declining mental health was the social isolation imposed by pandemic restrictions. Lockdowns and movement control orders (MCO) not only disconnected individuals physically from their social networks but also fostered feelings of loneliness and emptiness (Sharma et al., 2022; Hock et al., 2022; (Dai et al., 2020; . Additionally, Dai et al. reported that adults displayed signs of insomnia and distress related not only to health concerns but also to economic uncertainties arising from nationwide shutdowns (Dai et al., 2020; Dai et al., 2020). This sentiment is reiterated in various studies that highlight the pandemic's reshaping of the social fabric, leading to widespread feelings of helplessness (Yong & Sia, 2021; Schlichtiger et al., 2020).

Alongside the immediate impacts of COVID-19, systemic issues have become evident in Malaysia's mental health services. There has been a notable deficiency in access to mental health care resources, which became apparent as traditional face-to-face consultations transitioned to telemedicine platforms during lockdowns. The effectiveness and accessibility of these services varied significantly based on socio-economic status and digital literacy, thereby creating disparities in mental health care access (Deris, 2023)(Othman et al., 2021; Hossain et al., 2020). Research indicates that while telemedicine provided a vital resource for some, it raised concerns regarding the quality of care received (Deris, 2023).

Healthcare workers have particularly suffered from mental health challenges during the pandemic. Numerous studies have highlighted the rise in anxiety, burnout, and post-traumatic stress symptoms within this group, illustrating the psychological toll of working on the front lines of a health crisis (Ching et al., 2023; Razali et al., 2021). These aspects are further supported by recent studies that focus on the mediating role of psychological distress among healthcare providers during the pandemic (Ching et al., 2023; Razali et al., 2021).

The broader socio-economic impacts of the pandemic cannot be overlooked. Economic insecurity, unemployment, and financial instability have layered additional stress that has negatively affected mental health in Malaysia. Research examining the relationship between financial challenges and mental well-being reveals that youth and economically vulnerable groups faced significant struggles, necessitating tailored mental health interventions (Azizi et al., 2023; Onyechege et al., 2022). Additionally, the risk of job loss and insecurity has correlated with increased suicidality across various age groups, highlighting a pressing need for comprehensive mental health support strategies (Joo et al., 2023; Ghazali et al., 2024).

Mental health resources in Malaysia also show gaps in addressing the unique needs of adolescents. Young individuals faced heightened pressures related to education and career prospects during this tumultuous period, leading to escalated levels of anxiety and depression (Azizi et al., 2023; Rathakrishnan et al., 2022; Pauzi & Sahide, 2023; . Integrating mental health services into educational settings has been proposed as a strategy to provide supportive environments that can alleviate the effects of stress linked to academic pressures Pauzi & Sahide, 2023; .

Community responses to the mental health crisis included utilizing social media to mitigate feelings of isolation. Digital platforms served as both conduits for support and sources of stress, particularly in amplifying pandemic-related news (Khalid et al., 2023). The dual nature of social media's influence underscores the need for comprehensive public health messaging that navigates the landscape of information dissemination while promoting mental wellness.

In light of the increased awareness of mental health challenges, the Malaysian government and health authorities have been urged to prioritize mental health within their public health agendas. Strategies include enhancing funding for mental health services, training healthcare providers in mental health first aid, and establishing community-based programs aimed at destigmatizing mental illness (Othman et al., 2021; Pauzi & Sahide, 2023; Jannah, 2022). Policy-level interventions are crucial for ensuring a coordinated response to mental health needs, especially as the country transitions out of the pandemic.

Overall, the mental health scenario in Malaysia reflects a complex interplay of pre-existing conditions, pandemic-specific factors, and socio-economic stressors. Addressing these multifaceted challenges will require an integrated approach focusing on prevention, early intervention, and accessible care to mitigate the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. Continued empirical research and community-based initiatives will be essential in adapting mental health services to the evolving needs of the Malaysian population.

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