SAY NO! TO SILENT SUFFERING
The Issue
SAY NO! TO SILENT SUFFERING
INTRODUCTION
As an outreach programme for Lenten Campaign 2021, the Archdiocesan (KL) Office for Human Development (AOHD), in collaboration with the Archdiocesan (KL) Mental Health Ministry (AMHM), seek to address increasing mental health issues and concerns in Malaysia. Each one of us, and not only mental health professionals, can contribute to the mental wellbeing of individuals in our community.
While we (AOHD & AMHM) applaud the efforts of government, corporations and non-governmental organisations to cope with the increasing cases of mental health problems, more efforts are needed to create greater awareness among Malaysians on how people are being mentally affected and what can be done to help them, especially during these difficult and worrisome pandemic times.
Therefore, we invite Christians, people of other faiths, and like-minded persons in Malaysia to work towards more effective responses to mental health issues by:
1. equipping yourself with more knowledge on mental health;
2. becoming a Peer Listener to support a person who may be suffering from mental difficulties;
3. supporting mental health awareness and education programs; and
4. volunteering at mental health/wellness centres.
This pledge/campaign is to enable greater awareness and knowledge among Malaysians of mental health issues and concerns and to invite all concerned persons to take affirmative action.
WHAT IS IT?
Mental health problems are expected to be the biggest health threat in Malaysia after heart disease. A total of 424,000 children and as many as a quarter of Malaysian adults suffer from mental health problems according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019. Nearly one in 10 children aged between 10 and 15 years have mental health issues.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, it is even more challenging for society to cope with the situation, as the pandemic is causing a growing number of mental health cases. It affects a person's thinking, emotions, and behaviour, and causes functional impairment. Mental health problems can take many forms; from depression, anxiety, panic to the more severe and common schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.
Unfortunately, the lack of understanding, along with cultural and superstitious beliefs and misconceptions on mental health and mental illness in Malaysia, has created a strong social stigma that makes mental health ‘victims’ suffer in silence and be discriminated.
DON’T BRUSH IT OFF
One common form of mental health issue is depression, often seen as a ‘weakness’ if a person is feeling sad, moody, unworthy or guilty. Depression can lead to a lack of interest in social existence, and if it continues to be ignored, it can lead to fatigue, loss of appetite, irregular sleep, etc. This could eventually cause a sense of hopelessness and helplessness and slowly lead to suicidal thoughts. Mental illness has become even more complex with an increased incidence in younger persons due to its co-relation to drugs, cyberbullying and prolonged internet gaming, compared to its previous connection with stress, obesity and anxiety.
PREVENTION IS ESSENTIAL
“Associate Professor Dr Ng Chong Guan, consultant psychiatrist at University Malaya Specialist Centre, underscored the significance of efforts to educate the society on early recognition of mental illness as well as enabling them to take care of their own mental health. He said, the public’s role in helping to prevent this problem is essential. We can detect people around us acting differently or strangely, and try to assist and support them in seeking treatment.” (Bernama, 2018)
TAKING AFFIRMATIVE ACTION THROUGH EDUCATION
1. To create greater awareness among individuals about mental health, and to help prevent peers from becoming victims of mental illness. “Mental Health First Aid” is a certification program to improve knowledge of mental illnesses and their interventions: https://mmha.org.my/mental-health-first-aid/
2. To create greater awareness on the important role that family members play in maintaining good mental health. Educating family members & friends to support those with mental health issues: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/friends-family-members
3. To create greater awareness with the public, the importance of mental health. Well-being includes mental health: https://www.cdc.gov/hrqol/wellbeing.htm
4. Take 5 encourages everyone to take 5 minutes out of their day and complete five action items: Learn the warning signs, Do your part, Practice self-care, Reach out, and Spread the word. https://www.take5tosavelives.org/take-5-steps
5. To learn how to take control of your mind with the mental wellbeing toolkit to help you build resilience during difficult times; self-help, therapy and coaching tools. https://thewellnesssociety.org/
YOUR SUPPORT
“It is everyone’s duty to make an active response: our actions must show that mental illness does not create insurmountable distances, nor prevent relations of true Christian charity with those who are its victims. Indeed, it should inspire a particularly attentive attitude towards these people who are fully entitled to belong to the category of the poor to whom the kingdom of heaven belongs”
(cf. Mt. 5:3). Pope Saint John Paul ll
YOUR PLEDGE
Realising that mental health needs more visibility, understanding that urgent positive action needs to be taken at the community level, and wanting to support the cause of mental health, I PLEDGE TO:
● EDUCATE myself on mental health;
● ENABLE those with mental health issues to get treatment; and
● SUPPORT mental health awareness programs by the Church or other agencies.
REACH OUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
You may know a family member, relative or friend who is moody, quieter than usual, or just wants to be left alone. Such behaviour could have several reasons and causes, including the pandemic, which has caused increased stress levels for many people and caused many to lose their jobs or income. Many of us feel helpless, but we can make a small sacrifice by reaching out and making a big difference to someone who needs a listening ear.
YOUR CALL TO LISTEN!
We invite you to make an effort to reach out and listen to someone who needs to share their mental burden. If you are up to it, make two more follow-up calls, and assure the person that he or she is not alone. If you find that the person needs professional help, you could gently invite them to seek counselling at any of the mental health centres listed below.
We invite you to be a peer listener (see the guide below) and listen with compassion without being judgmental even though you may not be able to resolve their problems or guide them like a professional counsellor. You are invited to be a trustworthy friend in confidence, to listen and hopefully help to reduce their mental burden and share their human struggle.
MENTAL HEALTH CENTRES
- Life Journey Wellness Centre (AMHM – Archdiocesan Mental Health Ministry)
WhatsApp 017-915 6188, 017-358 6188 or call 03-8211 8214 https://www.archkl.org/index.php/apostolate-2/154-mental-health - Befrienders KL (Mental health service NGO)
Call 24/7 Helpline: 03-7627 2929
https://www.befrienders.org.my/ - Malaysian Mental Health Association (NGO)
Call 017-613 3039
https://mmha.org.my/
PEER LISTENING GUIDE
- The first step towards a brighter path may be something as simple as a conversation with a friend. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R-LNuf6uDc&t=218s
- Peer listeners work with local churches, community groups, mental health organisations, or work individually with family and friends. http://masgc.org/peer-listening
YOUR COMMITMENT
Consistent with our Christian faith, and our concern for the wellness of all, and as a special call on mental health awareness for Lenten Campaign 2021, AOHD earnestly urges you to make a difference this Lent, to participate, support and publicise this pledge/campaign.
If you agree that mental health is an important issue that should be addressed to give it more visibility, please add your name, email and signature to this pledge/campaign.
Thank you for your informed decision and considered support.
In solidarity
Teo Kar Im, Director (AOHD)
Lenten Campaign 2021
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
https://lent.aohd.org
Petition Closed
The Issue
SAY NO! TO SILENT SUFFERING
INTRODUCTION
As an outreach programme for Lenten Campaign 2021, the Archdiocesan (KL) Office for Human Development (AOHD), in collaboration with the Archdiocesan (KL) Mental Health Ministry (AMHM), seek to address increasing mental health issues and concerns in Malaysia. Each one of us, and not only mental health professionals, can contribute to the mental wellbeing of individuals in our community.
While we (AOHD & AMHM) applaud the efforts of government, corporations and non-governmental organisations to cope with the increasing cases of mental health problems, more efforts are needed to create greater awareness among Malaysians on how people are being mentally affected and what can be done to help them, especially during these difficult and worrisome pandemic times.
Therefore, we invite Christians, people of other faiths, and like-minded persons in Malaysia to work towards more effective responses to mental health issues by:
1. equipping yourself with more knowledge on mental health;
2. becoming a Peer Listener to support a person who may be suffering from mental difficulties;
3. supporting mental health awareness and education programs; and
4. volunteering at mental health/wellness centres.
This pledge/campaign is to enable greater awareness and knowledge among Malaysians of mental health issues and concerns and to invite all concerned persons to take affirmative action.
WHAT IS IT?
Mental health problems are expected to be the biggest health threat in Malaysia after heart disease. A total of 424,000 children and as many as a quarter of Malaysian adults suffer from mental health problems according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019. Nearly one in 10 children aged between 10 and 15 years have mental health issues.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, it is even more challenging for society to cope with the situation, as the pandemic is causing a growing number of mental health cases. It affects a person's thinking, emotions, and behaviour, and causes functional impairment. Mental health problems can take many forms; from depression, anxiety, panic to the more severe and common schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.
Unfortunately, the lack of understanding, along with cultural and superstitious beliefs and misconceptions on mental health and mental illness in Malaysia, has created a strong social stigma that makes mental health ‘victims’ suffer in silence and be discriminated.
DON’T BRUSH IT OFF
One common form of mental health issue is depression, often seen as a ‘weakness’ if a person is feeling sad, moody, unworthy or guilty. Depression can lead to a lack of interest in social existence, and if it continues to be ignored, it can lead to fatigue, loss of appetite, irregular sleep, etc. This could eventually cause a sense of hopelessness and helplessness and slowly lead to suicidal thoughts. Mental illness has become even more complex with an increased incidence in younger persons due to its co-relation to drugs, cyberbullying and prolonged internet gaming, compared to its previous connection with stress, obesity and anxiety.
PREVENTION IS ESSENTIAL
“Associate Professor Dr Ng Chong Guan, consultant psychiatrist at University Malaya Specialist Centre, underscored the significance of efforts to educate the society on early recognition of mental illness as well as enabling them to take care of their own mental health. He said, the public’s role in helping to prevent this problem is essential. We can detect people around us acting differently or strangely, and try to assist and support them in seeking treatment.” (Bernama, 2018)
TAKING AFFIRMATIVE ACTION THROUGH EDUCATION
1. To create greater awareness among individuals about mental health, and to help prevent peers from becoming victims of mental illness. “Mental Health First Aid” is a certification program to improve knowledge of mental illnesses and their interventions: https://mmha.org.my/mental-health-first-aid/
2. To create greater awareness on the important role that family members play in maintaining good mental health. Educating family members & friends to support those with mental health issues: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/friends-family-members
3. To create greater awareness with the public, the importance of mental health. Well-being includes mental health: https://www.cdc.gov/hrqol/wellbeing.htm
4. Take 5 encourages everyone to take 5 minutes out of their day and complete five action items: Learn the warning signs, Do your part, Practice self-care, Reach out, and Spread the word. https://www.take5tosavelives.org/take-5-steps
5. To learn how to take control of your mind with the mental wellbeing toolkit to help you build resilience during difficult times; self-help, therapy and coaching tools. https://thewellnesssociety.org/
YOUR SUPPORT
“It is everyone’s duty to make an active response: our actions must show that mental illness does not create insurmountable distances, nor prevent relations of true Christian charity with those who are its victims. Indeed, it should inspire a particularly attentive attitude towards these people who are fully entitled to belong to the category of the poor to whom the kingdom of heaven belongs”
(cf. Mt. 5:3). Pope Saint John Paul ll
YOUR PLEDGE
Realising that mental health needs more visibility, understanding that urgent positive action needs to be taken at the community level, and wanting to support the cause of mental health, I PLEDGE TO:
● EDUCATE myself on mental health;
● ENABLE those with mental health issues to get treatment; and
● SUPPORT mental health awareness programs by the Church or other agencies.
REACH OUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
You may know a family member, relative or friend who is moody, quieter than usual, or just wants to be left alone. Such behaviour could have several reasons and causes, including the pandemic, which has caused increased stress levels for many people and caused many to lose their jobs or income. Many of us feel helpless, but we can make a small sacrifice by reaching out and making a big difference to someone who needs a listening ear.
YOUR CALL TO LISTEN!
We invite you to make an effort to reach out and listen to someone who needs to share their mental burden. If you are up to it, make two more follow-up calls, and assure the person that he or she is not alone. If you find that the person needs professional help, you could gently invite them to seek counselling at any of the mental health centres listed below.
We invite you to be a peer listener (see the guide below) and listen with compassion without being judgmental even though you may not be able to resolve their problems or guide them like a professional counsellor. You are invited to be a trustworthy friend in confidence, to listen and hopefully help to reduce their mental burden and share their human struggle.
MENTAL HEALTH CENTRES
- Life Journey Wellness Centre (AMHM – Archdiocesan Mental Health Ministry)
WhatsApp 017-915 6188, 017-358 6188 or call 03-8211 8214 https://www.archkl.org/index.php/apostolate-2/154-mental-health - Befrienders KL (Mental health service NGO)
Call 24/7 Helpline: 03-7627 2929
https://www.befrienders.org.my/ - Malaysian Mental Health Association (NGO)
Call 017-613 3039
https://mmha.org.my/
PEER LISTENING GUIDE
- The first step towards a brighter path may be something as simple as a conversation with a friend. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R-LNuf6uDc&t=218s
- Peer listeners work with local churches, community groups, mental health organisations, or work individually with family and friends. http://masgc.org/peer-listening
YOUR COMMITMENT
Consistent with our Christian faith, and our concern for the wellness of all, and as a special call on mental health awareness for Lenten Campaign 2021, AOHD earnestly urges you to make a difference this Lent, to participate, support and publicise this pledge/campaign.
If you agree that mental health is an important issue that should be addressed to give it more visibility, please add your name, email and signature to this pledge/campaign.
Thank you for your informed decision and considered support.
In solidarity
Teo Kar Im, Director (AOHD)
Lenten Campaign 2021
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
https://lent.aohd.org
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Petition created on 15 February 2021