The available careers in mental health
Published on: Tuesday, May 02, 2023
By: K Krishnan
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
During the pandemic more than half of the students in Malaysia reported anxiety (57.2pc), depression (58.6pc), somatic symptoms (54.4pc) and moderate to high stress (79.7pc). Since it is a very fast growing health issue in Malaysia. Let us learn more about careers in Mental Health.
(1) Professional counsellors
They provide mental health and substance abuse care to thousands of Malaysians.
These professionals, who have master’s degrees, work in partnership with individuals, families and groups to treat a wide assortment of mental, behavioural and emotional problems and disorders.
The counselling profession as a whole utilises mental health, psychological and human development principles to address issues of wellness, personal growth and career development, in addition to pathology.
Although professional counsellors are employed by a variety of organisations across a wide range of work environments, they make up an especially large percentage of the workforce in community health centres and agencies.
They are both employed in and covered by managed care organisations and health plans. In addition, many professional counsellors operate private practices. Counsellors’ titles vary according to the states they practice in.
The most common title is licensed professional counsellor (LPC).
(2) Psychiatrists
They are physicians who diagnose and treat mental health and emotional problems. They also help patients prevent mental health and emotional issues. Because they are trained as physicians in addition to education in mental health treatment, the psychiatrist understands the relationship between emotional illness and other medical illness.
(3) Psychologists
They hold a Ph.D. and may choose to be counselling psychologists, who help people cope with everyday life issues, or clinical psychologists, who work in more clinical settings, hospitals, criminal justice, etc. Psychologists, who hold doctoral degrees in psychology, help people learn to cope more effectively with life issues and mental health problems.
Psychologists help people by using a variety of techniques based on the best available research and considering each person’s needs, values, goals and circumstances.
(4) Social workers
They assist individuals, groups or communities to restore or enhance their capacity for social functioning.
In addition to working with individuals, they work to create societal conditions that support communities in need. Social workers help people overcome challenges ranging from poverty, discrimination, abuse and addiction to physical illness, unemployment, divorce, loss, disability and mental illness.
Source:
ttps://explorehealthcareers.org/
Be a Volunteer
Students interested in careers in Mental Health can join as volunteers and explore this career further.
To be a volunteer contact:
The Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) Psychological Therapy & Support Services
Phone: +603 2780 6803 (Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm, except public holidays)
Website: www.mmha.org.my
According to MMHA they need you for public education events, Ad-Hoc Projects and for the editorial work of MMHA bulletin to reach out to the public to create mental health awareness and advocate for the welfare of people with mental illness.
For further Information
Despite a 2015 Health Ministry report that said one in three Malaysians, or 29pc of the population, suffered from mental health issues, the figures remain the same as of now, said certified mental health and awareness practitioner Dr Praveena Rajendra.
According to her, “Mental illness is the second biggest health issue affecting Malaysians.
The majority of those affected are the 16 to 19 age group and low-income families. It is shocking to know that mental illness is the leading cause of disability in Malaysia, with approximately 2.3 million people being affected at some point in their lives.
It is a major issue that needs to be urgently addressed,” according to Praveena. If you know of any patient who is suffering from mental issues, for now you can help them too.
Getting help is the most important first step in overcoming any form of mental health challenges.
Here are some very important contact details to seek help for mental health patients:
Talian Kasih 15999
24-hour Nationwide Helpline & Counselling: Phone: 15999 or WhatsApp: +60192615999:
Website: www.kpwkm.gov.my
The Befrienders Kota Kinabalu / Phone: +6088 255 788 or +6088 259 788 or WhatsApp: +60168036945 (7pm-10pm) : Email: [email protected]
