Mental health a top priority especially in times of a pandemic

Oct 17, 2020

KUALA LUMPUR: World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10. The goal of this day is to help raise mental health awareness. Each of us can make a contribution to ensure that people dealing with mental health issues can live better lives with dignity.

Today, each of us is called to accept and reach out to those among us who are suffering from a mental health issue. This heavily stigmatised disorder first requires acceptance that it is a disorder. Following that, to recognize the changes in our friend or family member and encourage them to seek the professional  help they need. Lastly, reassure them and walk this journey with them with the empathy, merciful and compassionate heart of Christ. …‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ – Matthew 25:40.

For those who are suffering in silence, fear of being stigmatised, be ing levelled,  have courage and take a step to seek healing and investing in your mental health. The Lord commands you: “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

The photo above speaks of peace in the midst of chaos. Light in the heart of darkness. Hope in the depths of despair. Courage in the face of obstacles. God in the midst of our brokenness. Life in spite of death. God is with us in all our challenges and sufferings. Fr Kapaun was there to remind his men of that. May he help us imitate his example of courage, steadfastness and hope! “Over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts.” (Col 3:14-15)

May these words encourage us and also give us HOPE and LIGHT in our lives of adversity and sickness in our present age (COVID-19 pan demic): ‘Light in the heart of darkness. Hope in the depths of despair. Courage in the face of obstacles. God in the midst of our brokenness. 

Life in spite of death’. Let’s take away the stigma and levelling when our family members, relatives and friends face mental health challeng es. Take the courage to come seek for professional help through counselling and psychotherapy. The team of the Archdiocesan Mental Health Ministry ArchKL is ready to offer a listening ear to those need help.

On this World Mental Health Day, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our mental health professionals and everyone, ‘A Happy World Mental Health Day.’ Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!

Our Lady of Good Health, pray for us! Amen!

Fr Philip Chua, KB, PA.
Ecclesiastical Assistant
Archdiocesan Mental Health Ministry
Director, Life Journey Wellness Centre

If you need support, the Archdiocese Mental Health Ministry offers ecounselling and psychological consultation. Visit https://SeekCounsel. ArchKL.org to book your appointment