It's time to listen
THE World Mental Health Awareness Day, celebrated annually on Oct 10, has come and gone, but the fight to acknowledge mental health as a serious health issue continues.
In the middle of October, Korean pop star Sulli was found dead, presumably from suicide. Reports say she had been battling depression, caused by cyber-bullying, which she was a prominent advocate against.
Suicide most often begins with mental issues that are left unaddressed or untreated, which is why the theme for World Mental Health Awareness Day this year is suicide prevention.
Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association president Anita Abu Bakar says while there is still a lot that can be done, mental health issues are now being talked about openly.
“We are heading towards the right direction and we need to continue to have this conversation,” she said at a press conference to celebrate the day last month. She said what needs to be included in the treatment of mental health are the voices of the patients because they would be in a better position to know what they need in order to thrive.
“We should change the trajectory of mental health. When patients are included in the treatment, instead of just a medical, top-down approach, it cuts a better solution,” she said.
HANDLING MEDIA COVERAGE
Anita explained that suicide prevention is now a prioritised global health issue but coverage about suicide needs to take into account the repercussions the action brings. “Media coverage of suicide by a celebrity may trigger suicidal tendencies among those who are already contemplating it, so it’s a very fragile area that everyone must navigate carefully.”
The New Hampshire National Alliance of
Mental Illness executive director Ken Norton says: “A suicide is like a pebble in a pond. The waves ripple outward.”
Anita quoted this to say that the impact of suicide goes beyond the person, even his or her friends and families, as they struggle to come to terms with what happened. Even law enforcement officers and medical personnel will be impacted by suicide, she says.
“In the aftermath of suicide, peer support for the bereaved should be a top priority, with them having access to mental treatment,” she said.
At the event, Miasa also announced a special collaboration with Petronita — the association of wives and female staff of Petronas — on The Clubhouse Project, which is part of its community mental health services which will be peer-run.
“We aim this to be a hub where peers will empower each other, support and promote hope and recovery in the community,” said Anita. “Each of us can play an important role in promoting mental health, breaking the stigma and preventing suicidal behaviours.”
Also present at the event were Miasa royal patron Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan Al Sultan Abdullah and Petronita president, Puan Sri Dr Azura Ahmad Tajuddin.