KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have been urged to put an end to the social stigma against those with mental illnesses, as it could slow down the treatment process.
"Efforts have been made to help them, but what we need now is for society to be more accepting to those with mental diseases. We have to get rid of the negative perception against them.
"They need to deal with the social stigma every day, and alienating them wouldn't help. A lot of times, these people are discriminated and automatically, their capabilities to work would be affected," he said.
Subramaniam said mental diseases have become a critical issue with it affecting productivity in the workplace.
"More than 13 per cent of adults and 20 per cent below the age of 18 suffers from mental illness. It can affect a person's life in a lot of ways, like their health, social and economic well-being.
"According to the World Economic Forum, chronic diseases will cost the global economy more than USD47 trillion between the years 2010 and 2030 with more USD13 trillion attributed to mental disorders," he told reporters after launching the Mentari mental health community centre in Selayang, today.
Currently, there are 20 Mentari centres nationwide providing counseling and rehabilitation programmes that include occupational therapy and art therapy.