Dr. Iman Mohamed Ali Shares Her Journey Into Psychiatry and Rising Mental Health Challenges

Shah Alam, El Sky News – Dr. Iman Mohamed Ali, psychiatrist and medical lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Hospital UiTM Puncak Alam, recently shared her journey into psychiatry, shedding light on why she chose this challenging but rewarding field.

“I honestly sort of fell into psychiatry. I did not exactly plan to be a psychiatrist,” Dr. Iman admitted. Initially, she was drawn to pediatrics, hoping to work with children. However, her experiences as a medical officer in the emergency department exposed her to a wide variety of psychiatric cases.

“That was my first exposure to psychiatry, and I found it very interesting because each case is so different. Each patient has unique problems, and the management for each patient is different. It never gets boring,” she said.

Dr. Iman highlighted the deeper connection psychiatry allows between doctor and patient. “When we treat physical illnesses, patients often get better quickly with medication or procedures. But psychiatric patients… it takes time. You build a deeper connection, and you feel you are really helping them with their lives. That’s what makes me passionate about this field.”

When discussing the types of cases she encounters most, Dr. Iman noted the prevalence of depression and anxiety, particularly among young people. “Nowadays, especially in the age of social media, young people compare themselves constantly. They see others online presenting perfect, happy, successful lives. They set very high standards for themselves and get disappointed quickly when reality does not match,” she explained.

She continued, “Depression often comes from comparing with others and ruminating on past mistakes. Anxiety is about worrying repeatedly about the future: Will I meet these standards? Will I have the perfect career, marriage, or family? These pressures are intense, and we see more cases every year, especially after COVID.”

Dr. Iman also shared guidance for supporting someone with mental health struggles. “If a friend opens up about feeling down or having suicidal thoughts, the first step is to listen and understand. Don’t judge, and don’t rush to offer solutions. Just acknowledge what they are going through,” she said. “If it feels serious, help them seek professional treatment. Many lives are lost because people don’t know where to turn. It’s okay to not know, but it’s crucial to get help.”

She emphasized breaking the stigma around seeking psychiatric help: “Mental health issues are real. Sometimes people feel ashamed or think it’s not a ‘real’ problem. But depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts are very real. Come and seek treatment. Everything is confidential, and we are here to help.”

Reflecting on her career, Dr. Iman concluded, “Psychiatry is challenging but deeply rewarding. Every patient is different, and every day brings new learning. I feel a sense of purpose when I can truly help someone navigate their mental health struggles.”