Kuala Lumpur: Fear of stigma, workplace discrimination and social judgement remain among the main reasons many Malaysians hesitate to seek psychiatric help, according to responses shared in an online discussion.
The conversation began after a Threads user, dr.lalijahn, asked why people are still afraid to see a psychiatrist.
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The question quickly gained traction, drawing numerous comments from users sharing their views and experiences.
Many respondents said mental health stigma remains deeply rooted in society, with some people continuing to associate psychiatric treatment with being "crazy" or unable to cope with life's challenges.
Others highlighted concerns about how employers may perceive individuals with a history of psychiatric treatment, saying such biases could affect hiring decisions and workplace evaluations.
Users also pointed to the cost of treatment, limited access to services, and difficulty acknowledging the need for professional help as barriers.
Despite growing awareness of mental health issues, many agreed that fear of being judged continues to prevent people from seeking support.
