A SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF YOUNG CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS IN MALAYSIA: EXPERT PERSPECTIVES

Mental health awareness has become an important component of public health in Malaysia, particularly in terms of young children's mental well-being. This qualitative study explores mental health experts' perceptions of awareness regarding young children's mental health issues in Malaysia. Nine themes emerged from semi-structured interviews with professionals such as psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and non-governmental organisation representatives. These include seeing mental health as a spectrum, the persistence of stigma and cultural barriers, the influence of early childhood experiences, and the significance of personalised treatment approaches like play therapy. The findings illustrate both progress and obstacles in Malaysia's mental health strategy, revealing generational shifts in views as well as the need of supporting family contexts. The study emphasises the importance of focused interventions and enhanced knowledge for reducing stigma and improving mental health outcomes in early children. Further research should look into the changing role of cultural dynamics and media in shaping mental health beliefs.