According to the results of a worldwide mental health poll commissioned by regional insurer FWD Group Holdings, two-thirds (65%) of individuals in Asia believe that mental health will be one of the most important issues in the upcoming year, but only one-third are willing to obtaining external treatment.
Between June and July 2022, more than 10,000 people were interviewed for the survey in collaboration with Blackbox, an independent research firm, in 16 international markets, including the nine markets where FWD operates: Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The FWD Group's managing director and group COO, Mr. Sim Preston, stated: "Although it's wonderful that mental health is becoming more and more well-known, particularly in Asia, the stigma and expense of treatment continue to prevent individuals from getting the support they require. We believe that by publishing this survey on World Mental Health Day, it will offer new perspectives and suggestions on how to further publicize this pressing problem. As an insurer, we also look forward to expanding mental health coverage and putting a stronger emphasis on mind development so that people can enjoy life to the fullest."
Care for mental health
A more positive definition of mental health, such as "mind strength," may lessen the stigma attached to the more conventional term and encourage more people in the region to talk openly about their struggles. This is because of the cultural and societal stigmas associated with mental health, according to the survey results.
One of the biggest obstacles to seeking therapy for mental health issues in Asia was the cost of treatment, and 76% of respondents said they were interested in looking into insurance solutions to help with these issues. The poll also found that anxiety about families and work is more common in Asia, and this can contribute to a higher incidence of mental health issues.
"Our survey revealed that worries about a variety of family obligations, together with work-related stress, rising inflation, and post-pandemic adjustment, are contributing contributors to mental stress. Family plays a particularly significant role since we also know that some people may not feel comfortable asking for support from others on their own. It can help to discuss these issues as a family first rather than individually because people may feel more at ease doing so "Joanna Chu, Group Head of Product Proposition, FWD Group, was also mentioned.
Key conclusions
The survey's major conclusions overall are as follows:
1. Mental health disorders will be more prevalent globally, but stigma still exists.
In Asia, 65% of individuals think that one of the most important challenges in the upcoming year would be mental health.
74% of respondents claimed to have dealt with mental health issues themselves (16%) or to have known someone who was both close to them (28%) and far from them (30%).
In Asia, people value self-help more than seeking outside aid; only 34% prefer open discussion of problems with others.
31% of Asians think changing the name of "mental health" will encourage more open communication.
2. The future of the family and the economy are the two main worries nowadays that are causing mental health issues.
More mental health issues are brought on by concerns about inflation (47%) than by post-pandemic adjustment (30%).
People in Asia are concerned about their work (31%), as well as family matters such as the future of their children and families (34%), as well as growing family duties (32%).
3. Options for mental health insurance are sought for throughout Asia
76% of people wish to investigate their insurance options to help them deal with mental health issues
The expense of therapy is cited by 40% of Asians as the major barrier to obtaining outside assistance.
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