Reducing the social stigma towards mental health
J-on
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Saturday, July 2, 2011
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Story and photo by YY KHAW
The first thing that would probably cross your mind at the mention of mental health would be mental illness. In Malaysia, mental health remains a subject of taboo status.
Ang was recently in UTAR to present a talk entitled "Destigmatising Mental Illness" as part of the planned activities in conjunction with the Health Awareness Campaign organised by UTAR First Aid Society.
She added that schizophrenia, the most severe form, has become the face of mental illness but it is only slightly more than one percent of all mental illnesses.
According to statistics, one in every five individuals in the past 12 months has suffered from some form of mental illness.“If there are five of you and four of your friends say that they are okay, it means you are not okay,” Ang jokingly tells the audience.
If properly treated, people with mental illness are of no danger to the public. Cases of violence only occur when people do not seek or default on treatment.
To overcome this stigma, an informed society needs to be created where one can talk openly about mental illness.
Ang also shared her experience battling depression with the audience during the talk.
“At the height of my career I suffered from depression. It felt like the end of everything,” Ang confessed.
However, Ang kept her medical condition to herself, as she felt very ashamed of it. Eventually, she opened up to her friends and started to talk openly about it.
To her surprise, her friends told her about their experiences with depression too.
Currently, four to ten percent of the population is affected by depression.
“Stress is a reaction to something." said Ang.
Dr Looi Poh Suan, who is a committee member at MMHA, also presented a talk called "Total Emotional Well Being" at the event.
“How we think, affects how we feel. How we feel, affects what we do,” Looi told the audience.
“About 15 percent of those who suffered from depression commit suicide,” said Looi.
In overcoming stress, one needs to know the signs that is attributed to that condition.
“Awareness will help you recognise the signs and causes of stress,” explained Looi.
She gave a few pointers on how to prevent mental health problems.
“First, nurture a wholesome personal wellbeing. You will also need the support of your family and friends. Also you need to be resilient.
“And how are you going to be resilient? By learning life skills,” said Looi.
Looi also observed that generally, people with mental illness who turned to religion as a support mechanism tends to cope better.
Looi stressing the importance of positive thinking.
“Interacting with others, attending courses and accepting yourself, are life skills," added Looi. “When you accept yourself, you will have a better relationship.”
For more information on MMHA and mental health, head on to www.mentalhealth.org.my.
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