Growing Insights Southeast Asia’s (SEA) Largest Dataset 2023
                     Growing Insights:
Southeast Asia’s 
(SEA) Largest Dat
aset 2023
by 
Read the full article here: https://www.naluri.life/news-and-reports/naluri-reports-southeast-asia-largest-mental-health-dataset
Introduction
- As we embark on a new year, mental health remains a 
critical concern, particularly in Southeast Asia (SEA), where 
the demand for understanding and compassionate action 
continues to grow.
- Naluri’s third edition of its comprehensive study highlights 
the ongoing efforts to grasp the region's mental wellbeing 
complexities. 
- Garnering insights from over 56,000 participants across 
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the 
Philippines, we’ve amassed a significant dataset that 
sheds light on key mental health challenges and 
opportunities for improvement.
Read the full article here: https://www.naluri.life/news-and-reports/naluri-reports-southeast-asia-largest-mental-health-dataset
Research Methodology
- Our research focuses on the prevalence of mental health 
disorders, specifically examining how depression, anxiety, 
and stress affect workplace wellbeing.
- We utilised a mixed-method approach, incorporating the 
DASS-21 assessment for quantitative analysis and 
qualitative insights through feedback from our coaches 
and conducted interviews.
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lth-dataset
Emphasizing Mental Health Awareness
- Emphasising the importance of mental health awareness, 
this study champions the cause of reducing stigma, 
encouraging early intervention, and bolstering community 
support.
- Our findings aim to inform and inspire industry leaders to 
take meaningful actions that foster a healthier, more 
supportive environment for all, reflecting the evolving 
dynamics of mental health and underlining our 
commitment to a more resilient Southeast Asia.
https://www.naluri.life/news-and-reports/naluri-reports-southeast-asia-largest-mental-hea
lth-dataset
Post-Pandemic Mental Health
- Three years post-pandemic, overall concerns related to 
COVID-19 are diminishing among Southeast Asians. 
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the pandemic 
has had a significant impact on mental health, particularly 
in the workplace. 
- This is why tools like Naluri’s Mental Health Assessment, 
which uses the DASS-21 assessment to evaluate 
depression, anxiety, and stress, are so essential.
- By prioritising our mental health and wellbeing, we can 
work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life, both 
during and post-pandemic.
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lth-dataset
State of Mental Health in SEA
- Naluri’s Mental Health Assessment is a method of 
measurement to understand where the local populace 
stands with mental health issues. Our results showed that 
many countries in Southeast Asia are dealing with poor 
mental health to varying degrees. 
- However, we are happy to report that there has been 
much improvement in 2023 compared to previous years.
https://www.naluri.life/news-and-reports/naluri-reports-southeast-asia-largest-mental-hea
lth-dataset
https://www.naluri.life/news-and-reports/naluri-reports-southeast-asia-largest-mental-hea
lth-dataset
State of Mental Health in SEA
- Our analysis combined quantitative and qualitative 
research, consolidating input from coaches and interviews. A 
closer look revealed that the overall deterioration in mental 
wellbeing was due to many factors.
- However, a few common-thread issues applied to all the 
countries participating in this survey. Poor work culture and 
environment, increased workload, and decreased job and 
financial security.
- As mentioned, we will see differences in our scale between 
the participating countries in the next few slides, and diving 
into them will allow us to understand the bigger picture. 
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lth-dataset
MALAYSIA
- While we saw increased numbers from 2021 
to 2022, the 2023 mental health assessment 
displayed an improvement in general mental 
health compared to the previous year. 
- Despite the positive outlook, there were 
some issues to highlight in the feedback 
received. A hostile work environment is one 
of the reasons for the mental unrest in 
Malaysia. The country’s economic 
positioning has forced numerous businesses 
to re-scale or downsize, leaving existing 
employees overburdened and many active 
adults with no source of income.
- Feedback from our respondents stated that 
the escalations in this negative environment 
have caused an ‘eat or be eaten’ type of job 
environment. However, the need to hold on 
to a job was overriding the desire for work-
life balance, resulting in fractured 
relationships in their personal lives.
- Holistic approach to management and care 
by employers might be able to significantly 
reduce the levels of stress, anxiety and 
depression in the Malaysian populace, 
yielding even better results in 2024.
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lth-dataset
SINGAPORE
- Similarly, Singapore displayed a downturn in 
poor mental health between 2022 and 2023. 
Notably, Singapore reports a higher level of 
depression compared to stress or anxiety in 
the last year.
- Over the last three years post-pandemic, 
Singapore’s cost of living skyrocketed, 
throwing residents into panic. The Monetary 
Authority of Singapore (MAS) reported that 
the inflation rate in 2022 increased by 6.1% 
from its average of 1.8%. The financial 
issues caused a struggle for Singaporeans to 
manage their lifestyle concerning their 
finances.
- On 7 February 2024, Deputy Prime Minister 
and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong 
delivered a speech on Motion on Advancing 
Mental Health. He said the government 
would introduce mental health services to all 
polyclinics and GP clinics, equipping and 
training an additional 28,000 frontline 
personnel and volunteers at various 
community and social service touchpoints to 
provide early assistance for anyone suffering 
from declining mental health symptoms.
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lth-dataset
THAILAND
- Taking a turn for the better, Thailand’s 
mental health assessment campaign 
yielded the most favourable results in 
the region, with an average reduction 
of 20% for depression, anxiety, and 
stress in 2023.
- Feedback from our respondents 
displayed a higher awareness of 
mental health amongst the Thai 
population. While mental health issues 
may still be present, this new 
generation of individuals prioritises 
their mental health and work-life 
balance.
- Common themes for those who did 
respond to having depression, anxiety, 
and stress were, again, work-related. 
Contributors to higher burnout rates 
include work overloads, conflict and 
communication issues between 
managers and colleagues, and family 
relationship conflicts stemming from 
increased stress in individuals. 
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lth-dataset
INDONESIA
- Indonesia, like their neighbours, 
witnessed a healthy decline in poor 
mental health amongst the population 
in 2023. Despite the state of the local 
environment, Indonesians have shown 
an aptitude for resilience.
- In 2023, Gen-Z comprised 27% of the 
workforce, and 52% were at risk of 
burnout. As reported in Mercer’s 
Health On Demand Report 2023, sales 
numbers are decreasing, causing 
more work pressure and a high 
burnout risk. Respondents are 
overworked, at the mercy of poor 
leadership management, and worried 
about increased inflation costs.
- Pending Indonesia’s general election 
results on 14 February 2024, 
Indonesians are also concerned about 
how politics will affect their financial 
statuses and possible tax increases.
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PHILIPPINES
- Once again, our mental health assessment 
measured a more positive mental health 
state in the Philippines. A nation where 
mental health is not as advanced compared 
to their neighbouring countries.
- Whilst survey respondents highlighted a 
toxic work environment and employers 
underpaying for services rendered, they 
have maintained a certain positivity within 
the society. Like many Asian countries 
before them, there is still a stigma attached 
to mental health and wellness amongst 
Filipinos, resulting in a lack of support and 
care given to citizens.
- However, on 12 October 2023, the 
Department of Health (DOH) partnered with 
the World Health Organization (WHO) to 
unveil the 2024-2028 Philippine Council for 
Mental Health (PCMH) Strategic Framework. 
This initiative aims to steer the creation 
and execution of mental health care 
policies, programmes, and services, 
tackling the prevalent mental health 
challenges and enhancing wellbeing 
nationwide.
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lth-dataset
VIETNAM
- 2023 was the first year that Vietnam 
undertook the Naluri Mental Health 
Assessment. While a direct 
comparison is not possible due to its 
first-time involvement, we gathered 
valuable insights from interviews with 
our Vietnamese respondents.
- The number 1 response was stress 
due to work-related issues in a high-
performance working environment—
generational gaps in the different 
working populations and an increased 
cost of living without increased pay.
- In 2023, a National Adolescent Mental 
Health survey showed that one in five 
adolescents face a mental health 
issue, with only 8.4% able to access 
necessary support services. So, we 
can surmise that mental health 
awareness should take a front seat in 
Vietnam’s future healthcare goals.
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lth-dataset
Impact of Workplace Culture
- Workplace culture plays a pivotal role in influencing 
employees’ mental health daily. A positive culture fosters 
belonging and motivation, enhancing mental wellbeing. 
Conversely, a toxic environment can lead to stress and 
burnout. Recognising this impact is vital for organisations 
prioritising employee mental health care and overall 
satisfaction.
https://www.naluri.life/news-and-reports/naluri-reports-southeast-asia-largest-mental-hea
lth-dataset
Corporate Responsibility
- In the workplace mental health space, individual self-care 
practices hold immense importance, particularly for leaders 
within your professional or social sphere. 
- Leaders wield considerable influence over the team 
dynamics, making their wellbeing essential for overall 
effectiveness. Prioritising self-care enables leaders to 
maintain clarity, empathy, and resilience in their roles, 
fostering a healthier work environment and bolstering 
productivity and innovation within the team.
- Thus, investing in leaders’ self-care is not just about 
personal wellbeing but cultivating a supportive and thriving 
workplace culture for everyone. 
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lth-dataset
Employee Wellbeing
- Amid work challenges, employees can prioritise mental 
wellbeing by setting boundaries, taking breaks, practising 
mindfulness, seeking social support, and engaging in self-
care activities outside of work.
https://www.naluri.life/news-and-reports/naluri-reports-southeast-asia-largest-mental-hea
lth-dataset
Conclusion
- In summary, our annual report on mental health in Southeast Asia 
provides valuable insights into the prevalence of mental health 
disorders and challenges faced by employees across the region.
- It highlights the need for addressing a new culture of implementing 
strategies to prioritise mental wellbeing. Additionally, the report 
underscores the crucial role of leaders in fostering a positive 
workplace environment through individual self-care practices.
- Overall, the findings call for continued efforts to promote mental 
health initiatives and support systems for healthier communities 
and workplaces in Southeast Asia.
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https://www.naluri.life/news-and-reports/naluri-reports-southeast-a
sia-largest-mental-health-dataset