Positive reframing of mental health may help bridge care gap

A survey by FWD has found that many people in Asia view mental health as a critical concern, but they are also unlikely to seek external support. The insurer suggested that positive reframing of the issue may hold the key to bridging this gap.

The survey, conducted in cooperation with independent research firm Blackbox, interviewed more than 10,000 people across 16 international markets between June and July. These include nine markets where FWD operates – Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Findings showed that 65% of respondents believe that mental health will become a critical issue in the coming year, but only a third of them prefer discussing their concerns externally, due to a culture of placing higher value on self-help than seeking outside assistance. Almost three in four (74%) respondents said they had experienced or know someone who suffered from mental health challenges.

Due to the various cultural and societal stigmas associated with mental health, the survey showed that reframing mental health in a more positive way, such as “mind strength”, may reduce the stigma attached to the more traditional term and encourage more people in the region to open up about their challenges.

Respondents also identified cost of treatment as one of the most significant barriers to receiving care for mental health challenges in Asia, with 76% expressing their interest in exploring insurance options to address mental health issues. The survey also found that people in Asia have significant worries about their families and jobs, which can lead to a higher rate of mental health challenges.

“Our survey showed that contributing factors to mental stress include concerns about a wide range of family responsibilities, coupled with work-related stress, rising inflation and post-pandemic adjustment,” said Joanna Chu, head of product proposition, FWD Group. “Given we also know that people may not be comfortable seeking help externally as individuals, family assumes a particularly important role. Opening up and addressing these challenges as a family unit first instead of individually, can make a difference as people may feel more comfortable.”