Mental health does not discriminate

Sep 23, 2022

By Gwen Manickam
The Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese Mental Health Ministry celebrated World Mental Health Day, a month in advance on September 10, at the Church of St Francis of Assisi (SFA).

Some 370 people signed up to attend the all-day event themed Mental Health in an Unequal World. It was packed with insightful talks and multilingual workshops, a panel discussion, and an exhibition on Erik Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development.

Mental illness can affect anyone, it does not discriminate. Having good mental health means being in a state of well-being and having the ability to cope with the normal stresses of life. It is also not dictated by wealth, fame, and education but rather by how one perceives his or her own life. To do this, one must learn to effectively balance moods, emotions, and feelings, and be content, which will lead to life satisfaction.

Poor mental health is often associated with low self-esteem, relationship struggles, compromised physical health, and addiction problems. Thus, it is crucial to address stigma and discrimination so people may seek help without judgment.

An ardent advocate of mental health awareness, Archbishop Julian Leow was present to launch the event. In his opening address, the prelate said mental illness is currently the second largest health problem affecting Malaysians after heart disease. Pre-pandemic, almost half a million of Malaysia’s 33 million population were encountering symptoms of mental health issues. In 20 years, mental health statistics in the country have tripled and are expected to affect the economy by RM25 trillion in 2030.

Alarmingly, 266 deaths by suicide were reported in the first six months of the year, starting with children as young as 14-year-olds. This could be due to the lack of coping mechanisms. The prelate strongly reminded attendees of the importance of acquiring the right tools to help one cope with the stresses of life, amidst all the inequality in the world.

“Let us not cover up this issue and think it will go away. Seek professional help. We should not hide the problems that exist in ourselves and our families. It is time to address the matter.

“We also need more psychologists and psychiatrists as ‘the harvest is great, but the labourers are few’. Do consider a career in these fields,” said the archbishop.

The main presenters were the CEO of the HELP Education Services (HES), and the Dean of the Faculty of Behavioural Science, Education and Languages at HELP University, Dr Gerard Louis, and Director CAREERSense HELP University, Eric Bryan Amaladalas.