Chen Yie Ling (far right) with her classmates and Dr Melsina Makaza after an insightful hospital visit during their study trip. During my two-week study visit to the University of Newcastle in September 2024, I was struck by how deeply mental wellness is woven into everyday life in Australia. While Malaysia is making progress in this area, the visit highlighted key differences, particularly in the accessibility and societal acceptance of mental health care between the two countries.
Australia’s strong focus on mental health has earned it recognition as one of the top countries for psychological and mental healthcare in 2024. The combination of easy access, culturally informed care, and tech-based services creates a robust support system. Meanwhile, Malaysia is making strides but still faces challenges, particularly in reducing stigma and improving access to services for all.
Both Australia and Malaysia offer mental health support within university campuses, including counselling services for students.
At the University of Newcastle, I saw a variety of services—from traditional counselling to mindfulness programmes and mental health awareness events. Students had plenty of options to care for their mental well-being, and these initiatives fostered a campus culture where mental health is seen as equally important as academic success.
In Malaysia, many universities also provide counselling services, but the range and accessibility of these services can be more limited, especially in smaller institutions. The approach to mental health care within Malaysian universities is still evolving, often hindered by a lingering stigma and a lack of comprehensive integration into student life. However, with efforts like mental health awareness weeks and peer support groups becoming more common, there is hope for continued progress.
Another notable difference I observed is the accessibility of mental health services for the general public. Whether through public healthcare or private providers, Australians can easily seek support for mental health issues. People can trust that their mental health will be treated with the same level of care and urgency as any physical illness.
For example, I heard about an individual who voluntarily checked into a short-stay mental health facility when he was feeling overwhelmed. The ease with which he accessed care and the openness in sharing his experience highlighted Australia’s strong mental health system. In contrast, Malaysia faces several challenges in providing accessible mental health services. While major urban areas offer more private clinics and government hospitals with psychiatric care, services can be expensive or have long waiting times. Additionally, stigma remains a significant barrier, with many Malaysians reluctant to seek help due to fear of judgment.
Australia’s mental health care system also benefits from the public’s acceptance of mental health as an essential part of overall well-being.
On campus, I encountered the Blue Tree Project, an initiative that encourages people to speak up when they’re struggling. The blue-painted trees serve as a striking reminder to prioritise mental health and reach out for support.
In Malaysia, although mental health awareness is growing, particularly among younger generations, mental health issues are still often considered taboo.
There is a pervasive belief that mental health problems reflect personal failings, and seeking professional help can still be seen as shameful. While the Ministry of Health in Malaysia has launched campaigns like #Let’sTalkMalaysia to challenge these perceptions, there is much more work to be done to normalise mental health care in public discourse.
Australia’s mental health system also excels in its incorporation of cultural sensitivity and technology. Special services are provided for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, tailored to reflect their cultural needs and traditional values, ensuring that services are respectful and inclusive. This culturally informed approach fosters trust and engagement in communities that might otherwise be hesitant to seek mainstream mental health care.
Technology also plays a significant role in making mental healthcare more accessible in Australia, especially in rural areas. Telephone and online services provide 24/7 support, enabling people to connect with professionals no matter where they are. Services are offered through hotlines, chats, and video calls, breaking down geographical barriers that might prevent people from seeking help.
My visit to the University of Newcastle highlighted the strengths of Australia’s mental health care system, but it also showed that both Australia and Malaysia still have work to do. The accessibility of services and the open dialogue around mental health in Australia offer valuable lessons, yet challenges remain. Meanwhile, Malaysia is making progress, but more needs to be done to ensure that mental health care is accessible, affordable, and free from stigma for everyone.
This study visit not only broadened my understanding of mental health care practices but also inspired me as a student nurse to advocate for more inclusive, accessible, and compassionate mental health services in Malaysia, ensuring that mental well-being is prioritized just as much as physical health.
Written by Chen Yie Ling, Nursing Student at IMU University.
