New Emerging Mental Health Awareness Program to Help Government’s Initiative
New Emerging Awareness Program to Help Government’s Initiative
World Mental Health Day (WMHD), a global celebration of mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma is celebrated annually on October 10. This year’s theme is “Mental Health for All: Greater Investment – Greater Access”.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong, wearing the green ribbon pin badge as a way
of showing support of (WMHD) and solidarity towards the community — Picture
credit The Star Newspaper
But what is
Mental Health?
The World Health Organization (WHO)
defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being;
not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In this context, mental health
encompasses a state of mental well-being, in which the individual realises
their own abilities, is able to work productively, is able to cope with the
normal stressors of life, and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to
their community. In other words – able to lead a meaningful and fulfilling
life.
Common mental
health conditions include mood
disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, and delusional disorders.
Anyone can have a mental health condition regardless of their gender, age,
ethnicity, religion, or social class. In short, it can affect anyone just like
common flu. Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) reported that there was
an increase in mental health conditions following the commencement of the MCO.
Currently, mental health conditions have a major effect on the Malaysian
society as a whole, which makes the investment on mental health should be
focused upon increasing mental health awareness,
education and disseminating accurate information about mental health. As
much as government is trying its best to allocate resources for training and
employment of counsellors at every schools in Malaysia, non-governmental
organization (NGO) like MMHA are also working hand in hand in aiding new
emerging awareness programs and ongoing support of people living with mental
health conditions just like how there are physical first aider.
 |
| Drona receiving her certificate from MMHA Executive Director |
MMHA are focused in introducing an awareness program which is known as Standard Mental Health First Aid course teaches adults how to provide mental health first aid to friends, family and co-workers. The 12 hours licensed program is designed to suit Malaysia’s multicultural settings. Participants of the mental health first aid came from various background including numerous counsellors, wellness trainer, doctors, nurses and teachers who wanted to do better for their clients, patients and students.
One of the participants
Ms Megala Chandra Sakeran, who is also the Head of a counselling department
mentioned that her personal contribution will be on destigmatizing the
existence of thick stigma towards mental health and seeking professional
support when needed. She strongly believes the sharing of relevant post and
information related to mental health (on social media, talks, workshop) and
openly engage in discussions will provide safe platform by respecting others
view on mental health hence minimising the lack of awareness on mental health.”
Another participant, Marisha Barth Ubrani, a psychology student, said that “It
was wonderful to see the how psychology can be applied to everyday life; how we
can be aware of our families, friends and colleagues facing mental health
problems, approach them and provide the immediate support and direct them to
the mental health care they need. She also noticed it wasn't easy, such as
learning how to talk to a suicidal person, but it made her more appreciative of
the caregivers and mental health professionals out there.
Ways how you can help
Undeniably
true it can be painful and confusing to see someone you love being affected by
their mental health condition and not acting like themselves. You are probably
wondering what you can do to help. Mental health conditions may not be visible
like other health problem, but it doesn’t mean that you’re powerless to help. As
a student, friend or family member you can play your part by updating yourself
with latest information. Here are 3 ways how you can help:
- Helping with medications, appointments and treatments: You can help them set reminder to take their medications
- Supporting a healthy lifestyle: remind them in eating healthy food, exercise, relax more and maintain proper sleeping habits.
- Providing emotional support: in helping someone feel less alone and ashamed.
We must
mobilize the entire community in increasing
mental health awareness and share accurate information about mental health. Let's work together and help people with
mental health issues. While the common saying goes “there is
no Wealth without Health”, it is important to remember that there is also no
Health without Mental Health.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL
ORGANISATIONS (NGO) contact details.
|
Malaysian Psychiatric Association |
|
|
Malaysian Mental Health
Association (The Mind Hub) |
T: 03-27806803 E: admin@mmha.org.my W: mmha.org.my |
|
Befrienders T: 03-79568145 |
E: sam@befrienders.org.my W:
befrienders.org.my |
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