Mental Health Issues Among Chinese Communities in Malaysia: A Cultural and Historical Approach

This chapter presents the experiences of Chinese in Malaysia, in the context of mental health services. As the second largest ethnic group in Malaysia, the Chinese population is diverse in its subculture, education, generation, geography, and degree of assimilation to the mainstream culture. The chapter introduces the ecological characteristics in Malaysia and how they shape the unique mental health challenges of the Chinese. Though the Chinese are known for their multilingual ability, strong work ethic, emphasis on education, and family piety, clashes between traditional and modern values, their marginalized position in the Malaysian political arena, the stereotype of the economically successful minority, and the “brain drain” of young well-educated Chinese have all caused a strain in Chinese individuals and families across the lifespan. Moreover, they face both external and internal barriers in getting quality mental health care. It is therefore imperative to promote a mental health service model that is able to meet Chinese psychological needs, as well as being sensitive to the culture and history of the Chinese communities.