Stress or a Mental Health Problem?

Stress or a Mental Health Problem? Many Have Heard of It, But Few Realise They’re Already Affected

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, about 4.6% of Malaysian adults – nearly one million people – are experiencing depression. This figure is almost double the number reported in 2019, a significant rise that cannot be ignored.

As a psychiatrist, these numbers are not just statistics. They represent thousands of real stories that my fellow colleagues and I encounter every day. One case that remains fresh in my mind is a man in his late 30s who came to my clinic a few months ago. He appeared calm, but his eyes showed deep exhaustion. He complained of difficulty sleeping, frequent crying spells, and trouble focusing at work. On the surface, it looked like simple fatigue – but after understanding his background, it became clear that he had been struggling in silence for years.

“I thought I was strong, doctor. But now I feel so empty,” he whispered.

His story is not unique. In reality, I hear similar stories almost every week – different faces, different backgrounds. Some come because of work pressure, some carry unresolved past trauma, and others simply feel that life has become dull despite looking “fine” on the outside. They all share one thing in common: they had been struggling quietly long before seeking help.

It’s true that everyone experiences stress – from work, family, finances, or personal issues. But when stress begins to affect biological functions like sleep, appetite, and concentration, and when it leads to irritability or distancing oneself from loved ones, it is no longer normal stress. It may be a sign of a mental health condition that needs attention.

Mental Health Does Not Discriminate

Many people still assume mental health problems only affect “certain types of people” – those who are weak, pampered, lack of faith, or cannot manage their time. This misconception is harmful and untrue. Emotional and mental wellbeing does not discriminate.

Some individuals appear successful, but feel empty inside. Some look cheerful every day, but cry silently at home.

In my clinic, I’ve seen patients from all walks of life – civil servants, private sector employees, business owners, and even top-performing students – struggle with emotional and mental health issues. Not because they are weak, but because they have been enduring too much for too long.

Studies also show that almost 1 in 3 Malaysians experience symptoms related to stress, anxiety, or depression at some point in their lives (NHMS, 2019). This is not a small issue as it involves our society.

Mental health is not just a personal matter. It is influenced by the way we were raised, our work environment, unresolved trauma, or the loss of a loved one. These are not trivial issues, and not everyone can overcome emotional turmoil on their own.

Stigma Remains a Major Barrier

One of the most heartbreaking challenges is stigma. Some are afraid to see a specialist because they fear being labelled “crazy”. Some hide their struggles from family because they worry people will say they are “not strong enough”.

Sometimes, our society is too quick to judge and forgets that those who are suffering simply need space to heal.

The saddest cases are when patients come to us too late – when they can no longer work, can no longer care for their children, or begin to have thoughts of harming themselves. If they had sought help earlier, treatment would have been easier and outcomes far better (WHO, 2022).

We must change our perspective. If we can see a doctor for stomach pain or fever, why do we stay silent when our mind is hurting?

Don’t Wait Until You Can’t Get Out of Bed to Seek Help

I often remind my patients that mental health treatment is not just about medication. Sometimes, therapy, talking to the right person, or relearning how to understand yourself is enough. In many cases, a combination of therapy and social support leads to excellent improvement (American Psychiatric Association, 2020).

For example, an individual came in with burnout – feeling unmotivated at work, becoming easily irritated with colleagues, and struggling to sleep every night. After several sessions of therapy and lifestyle adjustments, he became more stable and eventually found joy in his work again. He said, “I thought I would never feel normal again. But it turns out I can – with help.”

Early signs such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, or losing interest in hobbies should not be ignored. Don’t wait until you can’t get out of bed to seek help.

Mental Health Is Like the Roots of a Tree – Invisible but Holding Everything Together

Mental health isn’t always visible, but its impact is profound. It influences how we think, work, build relationships, and perceive ourselves. When the mind is calm, decisions are clearer. When the heart is troubled, everything feels heavy.

Caring for mental health is not a luxury – it is everyone’s responsibility. Being a good listener to a friend who is struggling, giving space to a teenager to express their feelings, or supporting a partner who is overwhelmed – these are meaningful forms of help.

We must also learn to be more open. Mental health issues are not personal weaknesses. They can begin with mild stress and develop into illness – and mental health conditions have treatments that should be explored.

As we move forward, I believe the more we talk openly about mental health, the easier it will be for us to support one another. My hope is for Malaysians to continue moving towards greater empathy, openness, and emotional wellbeing.

Article by,

Dr. Norizan Othman
Consultant Psychiatrist