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

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posted on 2023-06-09, 17:35 authored by Clio BerryClio Berry, Daniel Michelson, Ellisha Othman, Jun Chuen Tan, Brioney Gee, Joanne Hodgekins, Rory Edward Byrne, Alvin Lai Oon Ng, Nigel V Marsh, Sian Coker, David FowlerDavid Fowler
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 low-income backgrounds participated in a semi-structured interview about their perspectives on mental health problems, unusual psychological experiences and help-seeking. Results Four themes were developed using thematic analysis. “Is it that they [have] family problems?” reflected participants' explanatory models of mental health problems. “Maybe in Malaysia” was concerned with perceptions of Malaysian culture as both encouraging of open sharing of problems and experiences, but also potentially stigmatizing. “You have to ask for help” emphasized the importance of mental health help-seeking despite potential stigma. “It depends on the person” addressed the challenges of engaging with psychological therapy. Conclusions We conclude that young people in Malaysia may hold compassionate, non-stigmatizing views towards people experiencing mental health problems and a desire to increase their knowledge and understandings. Yet societal stigma is a perceived reputational risk that may affect mental health problem disclosure and help-seeking. We suggest that efforts to improve mental health literacy would be valued by young Malaysians and could support reduced stigma and earlier help-seeking.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Early Intervention in Psychiatry

ISSN

1751-7885

Publisher

Wiley

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2019-04-16

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2020-05-21

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2019-04-15

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