KUALA LUMPUR: Some 424,000 children in Malaysia are struggling with mental health problems.

       According to a National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) survey in 2019, this is an indication that mental health issues among the group has become an epidemic.

       The Malaysian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Association (MYCAPs) quoted a World Health Organisation (WHO) estimate that 20% of children worldwide suffer from mental health issues, many of whose conditions go undetected and untreated.

       “According to WHO, 50% of mental health problems begin before the age of 14, and 75% start in their 20s,” said MYCAPs in a statement in conjunction with World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day, which falls on April 23 every year.

       Bernama reported that according to MYCAPs, the prevention of mental health problems should start as early as infancy, with parents playing a vital role in ensuring their children’s mental well-being through the provision of quality and favourable environments.

       This includes ensuring they are in a safe, stable and loving environment, the association said.

       “Children’s mental health needs include receiving undivided love from parents.

       “The opportunity to play with other children too can allow them to build confidence and self-esteem,” said MYCAPs.

       Currently, many children are growing up in unsafe home environments with parents who are physically or emotionally absent, it added.

       “For children and adolescents, parents need to encourage healthy conversation by listening actively and providing space for them to speak without being critical or judgemental,” it said.

       MYCAPs also said good mental health drives development, prevention, rehabilitation and resilience to enable children to grow up healthy and achieve their potential and form resilience and a positive personality as they grow into adulthood.