Wellness focus: Dr Wan Azizah (second from left) launching OUM's new programmes and psychometric system. Looking on are OUM Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities dean Assoc Prof Dr Hamidah Mat (far left), Prof Ahmad Izanee and Prof Mohd Tajudin (third and fourth from left, respectively).
That is the call Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail wants every Malaysian to heed.
"When it comes to mental health, every Malaysian should seek help as soon as they need it," she said.
Highlighting that nearly 30% of Malaysian adults experience symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, Dr Wan Azizah, who is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's wife, urged the public to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and foster greater empathy and understanding within society.
"Some people will say, 'You're mental.' But what we really need is to let go a little, to have some space and to release what we're holding inside," she said at the launch of Open University Malaysia's (OUM) new programmes in Putrajaya on Oct 16.
Emphasising the need to raise awareness of Malaysians' emotional and social well-being, she noted that the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry had recently launched the "Awak OK tak? Jom Kongsi" ("Are You Okay? Let's Talk") campaign.
"This is a call for all of us to learn to ask (each other how we are doing), to listen, and to be present for one another.
"Sometimes, even our neighbours don't know what we're going through, although in Islam, knowing and looking out for our neighbours is very important," she shared.
Dr Wan Azizah, who also chairs the charity and welfare organisation Kasih Malaysia, stressed the importance of accessible and sustainable mental health services.
"More mental health services are needed, not short-term social fixes. Most importantly, these services must be easily accessible," she said.
During the event, OUM unveiled four new certification programmes and a psychometric profiling system, PsyQiQ Plus, expanding its educational offerings in mental health, counselling and Islamic studies.
Also in attendance were OUM president and vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang and vice president and deputy vice-chancellor (Academic & Research) Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Tajudin Md Ninggal.
In his opening speech, Prof Ahmad Izanee said the impact of mental health issues in Malaysia extends beyond individual well-being, affecting learning, productivity, and the overall quality of life for families and communities.
"The World Health Organization and other international health agencies have emphasised that adolescents and the younger generation require special attention, as the rate of mental disorders is alarmingly high," he said, adding that OUM remains committed to supporting the community in tackling this crisis through prevention, early detection, supportive interventions and capacity building.
Commending the varsity for its efforts in addressing mental health issues through education and innovation, Dr Wan Azizah said the psychometric system helps students understand their potential, recognise their personality patterns, and manage their emotions more effectively.
This, she said, not only supports their academic development but also contributes to their emotional and mental well-being.
The new certification programmes are the Certificate in Basic Counselling, Certificate in Mental Health Counselling, Professional Certificate in Psychology, and Advanced Certificate in Islamic Studies.
Alongside these courses, PsyQiQ Plus introduces a data-driven approach to student support by providing personalised insights into learners' cognitive abilities, learning styles, and psychological profiles - enabling OUM to deliver more tailored educational guidance and intervention strategies.