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.

 Written by : Drona Dewi, a wellness trainer. Vision: Wellness through Science.

Mental health

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (NGO) contact details.

Malaysian Psychiatric Association

E: info@psychiatry-malaysia.org

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




Disclaimer: The information provided by Drona Dewi a wellness trainer who is from a biotechnology background, a lifestyle researcher. Certified mental health first aider by Malaysian Mental Health Association and the information is not intended to be and should be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional medical advice

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