Social Stigma Hinders Mental Health Help-Seeking, Queen Says

Social stigma surrounding mental health compels many individuals to suffer in silence, hesitant to seek professional assistance. The Queen of Malaysia, Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah, noted that increasingly difficult life pressures, including financial uncertainty, debt burdens, and complex family dynamics, are leading many adults to face psychological problems.

Citing a local portal's report on the pressures faced by adults and children, the Queen stressed the need for serious attention from all parties. "Research highlighted by NST shows that 16.5 percent of children aged five to 15 struggle with mental health issues, while one in four teenagers aged 13 to 17 experience depression," she stated at the 10th Graduation Ceremony of the University of Reading Malaysia. Raja Zarith Sofiah, who received an Honorary Doctorate in Psychology from the university, emphasized that efforts to address mental health issues must be strengthened, given the growing relevance of psychology.

She further observed that society is currently living in an era where hate speech and a lack of understanding towards those who are different are gaining traction. "Ironically, as information and knowledge become more accessible through websites, social media, and various digital platforms, we become less tolerant, less empathetic, and more inclined to seek differences rather than shared commonalities, regardless of ethnic background, beliefs, or societal roles," she remarked.

The Queen asserted that higher education institutions bear a significant responsibility not only to produce knowledgeable and skilled graduates but also to shape individuals with strong character, integrity, and high moral values. Quoting the late Royal Professor Tan Sri Dr. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas, she reminded that the goal of education is not merely to produce a skilled workforce but to cultivate well-mannered and virtuous individuals. "Guidance from teachers, mentors, and access to books and knowledge can open doors for individuals to achieve what was previously thought difficult. This transformation is measured not only by academic achievement but also by self-confidence, resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to contribute to society," she concluded.