Ipoh: Parents should seek early mental health support for their children to prevent long-term emotional and developmental issues, especially amid a rise in post-pandemic psychological challenges. Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta director Dr Ian Lloyd Anthony said early intervention can make a significant difference, as young minds are more adaptable and responsive to therapy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Ian emphasized that many parents hesitate due to stigma or fear of judgment, but delaying help only exacerbates the situation. He made these remarks at the Malaysian Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Psychiatry Conference (M-CHAMP) 2025. Hospital Bahagia, one of Malaysia's main psychiatric institutions, has noticed a steady increase in mental health cases involving children and teenagers since the pandemic.
Dr Ian noted that while some young patients exhibit conditions such as autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), others face stress and emotional difficulties related to academic pressure or family issues. He stressed the importance of identifying signs early, such as behavioral changes, sudden withdrawal, or struggles at school.
He also mentioned that no referral letter is needed to seek treatment at Hospital Bahagia, which accepts walk-in patients and is supported by a team of specialists and medical officers. The facility collaborates with schools and receives referrals from teachers who notice behavioral changes in students. Additional child and adolescent psychiatric services are available at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh and Taiping Hospital.
Dr Ian highlighted that increased screen time and social media use are emerging as significant factors negatively impacting children's and teens' mental wellbeing. He urged parents to closely monitor their children's device use, noting that today's children face constant online pressure, which can affect their self-esteem and resilience.
Meanwhile, Perak Human Resource, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan, who officiated the conference, said the event was timely given the rise in youth mental health issues. He referenced findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, which revealed that 16.5 per cent of children aged five to 15 in Malaysia were experiencing mental health problems, nearly double the rate reported in 2019.
The three-day conference themed 'Mind in Bloom: Enhancing Child and Adolescent Wellbeing', is being held at Casuarina Meru and gathers experts nationwide to discuss best practices and strategies for early intervention and community-based support.