BREAKING THE TABOO
IT WASN’T SO LONG AGO that mental health was thought to be demonic possession. Back then, at the first sign of any inconsistent, deviant or extreme behaviour, it was unsurprisingly common to call in a local priest or shaman to perform a religious rite, or exorcism. Sufferers were often branded as lunatics and locked up in asylums. History has documented all sorts of brutal treatments, from trepanation to lobotomy, to bloodletting. Even now, many affected men are stigmatised as weak, leading to worsening conditions.
Fortunately, thanks to the continued pursuit of the medical community and heavy promotion of awareness, we now know that mental health is a reality, that people should not be afraid to open up and that there are dedicated professionals who can help you deal with it in a much more civilised and personalised way.
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, we’ve dedicated our October 2021 issue to highlighting the subject of mental health, featuring individuals who have bravely stepped forward to share about their personal troubles and do something about it. For those who seek guidance, or better understanding of the topic, our writer Melissa Foong has also taken the initiative to reach out to an expert, Professor Dato’ Dr Andrew Mohanraj, president of the Malaysian Mental Health Association, for a comprehensive interview.
Stay safe and stay strong!
Kc Yap