The recent tragedy in Lahad Datu, Sabah, where a young doctor took her own life, has once again highlighted the mental health struggles faced by our health care workers.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Doctors across Malaysia continue to face overwhelming stress and burnout, often leading to tragic outcomes. It is high time that we address this issue with the urgency it deserves.
The Reality Of Mental Health In The Medical Profession
Being a doctor in Malaysia, particularly in the public sector, is an incredibly demanding role. Long hours, constant pressure, and a relentless work environment create the perfect storm for mental health issues, including burnout.
A recent, broader study of employees in Malaysia by Employment Hero showed a sharp rise in employee burnout, with nearly 70 per cent of Malaysians reporting this, compared with 58 per cent in 2022. This figure is likely even higher among those in the medical profession.
The nature of medical work inherently involves high stress, but the growing demands of the profession, combined with the rising expectations of the public, have intensified the burden on doctors.
These issues have always existed, but, as awareness around mental health has increased, the conversation has finally gained the attention it deserves.
While there’s a rising sensitivity towards mental health concerns, we must remember that the pressure in this profession has always been present. What has changed is that people are now more aware, and it is imperative that we take concrete steps to address it.
The Changing Landscape Of Medical Education And Practice
In the past, becoming a doctor was a highly competitive and challenging process, requiring excellent academic qualifications to secure a place in medical school.
However, this landscape has shifted with the proliferation of private medical universities. While more individuals are now able to enter the profession due to relaxed academic entry requirements, this does not necessarily mean they are equipped to handle the rigours of the job.
The demands of the profession remain as high — if not higher — than they were several decades ago.
This discrepancy creates a dangerous situation where new doctors, who may lack the necessary mental and emotional resilience, are placed in high-pressure environments and experience long work hours, without adequate preparation.
Cultural pressures further intensify the stress. In Malaysia, across all cultures, being a doctor is regarded as a prestigious career. This societal expectation adds to the already heavy burdens young doctors face. Many who enter the profession with pride and ambition soon find themselves overwhelmed by the harsh realities of the job.
At Solace Asia, we have already seen a number of young doctors, who initially pursued the profession with zeal, leave the practice altogether. Some switch to nursing, while others abandon medicine entirely. Anecdotally, these numbers of seem to be on the rise.
The Impact Of Workplace Culture And Bullying
Another major factor contributing to this crisis is workplace bullying. In the past, university ragging was a rite of passage meant to introduce newcomers to student life.
Unfortunately, it often led to severe psychological distress, with some even taking their own lives. This toxic culture was eventually addressed in universities through strict policies, but similar changes have yet to be implemented in hospitals.
Today, hospitals remain environments where senior doctors may engage in toxic behaviour, bullying, or harassment of junior doctors. This perpetuates a harmful culture that further damages the mental health of the younger workforce.
While the current generation of doctors is more attuned to the importance of work-life balance and mental health, the culture in many medical institutions has yet to catch up.
The Path Forward: Education And Systemic Change
To tackle this issue, we must first reform medical education and workplace culture. The solution isn’t about blaming hospital management or individual doctors — it requires a national dialogue on the mental health of health care professionals.
Policy changes are needed to ensure a supportive and healthy work environment, including implementing measures to prevent workplace bullying with clear consequences for those found guilty of mistreating colleagues.
Continuous education and mental health support must become standard components of medical training. Health care workers need the mental and emotional tools to navigate the stresses of their jobs. This cannot be solved by token efforts; comprehensive, sustained support is essential.
The government must also play a role in creating a nationwide mental health support framework. While hotlines and support services for health care workers exist, we must question whether those offering support are qualified to meet the complex mental health needs of professionals under such intense pressure.
This is where public-private partnerships can make a meaningful difference. Organisations such as Solace Asia, with over a decade of experience in mental health and addiction treatment, can collaborate with the government to build stronger support systems for doctors and other healthcare workers.
Conclusion
The mental health crisis among our doctors is a serious issue that requires immediate action. The growing number of doctors struggling with burnout and mental health challenges cannot be ignored.
To address this, we need to improve workplace culture, offer robust mental health support, and ensure that healthcare professionals are properly prepared for the pressures of their jobs.
If we fail to act, the future of our health care system will be at risk. It’s time to change the narrative and prioritise the wellbeing of our doctors.
Dr Prem Kumar Shanmugam, founder and CEO of the Solace Group of companies, is an accredited clinical psychotherapist, counsellor, and clinical supervisor with more than 10 years of specialising in addiction and mental health issues.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
