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THE HEALTH | JUNE-JULY , 2021
| Cover Story | was able to bounce back . There are certain things that I can change , and there are certain things that I cannot change , and that ’ s okay . Without knowledge or awareness of anxiety and my struggles , I would not be doing what I am doing today – advocating for something so close to my heart . I have embraced my fears , and I am trying to channel them to good use .
I am also fortunate enough to be able to go for therapy . Looking back , this is something that I had been putting off for years . I have learned that it is okay to ask for help and lean on others when you need to . I have also learnt to be a pillar of support for others . My bestie and I bonded over the passing of her father , and we were merely acquaintances then . But I made it a point to check in with her often , and now we run the Green Ribbon Group together .
I also try to work on my well-being in general . My husband , family and friends are my support system , and they have such a positive impact on my life . My son is turning two next month , but he brightens up my day without even realising it . I love reading , and I love the outdoors . Hiking is my current obsession , but I try to get a good sweat session at home or focus on some mindfulness and yoga given the lockdown restrictions . I have learnt to appreciate and enjoy the simple things in life .
There ’ s been an increase in the number of people affected by stress , depression and anxiety due to the pandemic . How can this be addressed ? Our public health delivery system is quite good compared to most developing countries . Every public hospital in the country has mental health services . The waiting time may be long , but the primary public sector health delivery infrastructure is in place .
We have a shortage of mental health professionals , particularly clinical psychologists , qualified counsellors and mental health social workers . Still , I believe the government is gradually working towards addressing this concern .
On the other hand , the private sector is more urban-based and essentially involves out-of-pocket payment . Suppose the private sector can accommodate a significant part of the demand . In that case , the burden on the public sector will be easier to manage , and the waiting time will be shorter . For this to happen , private mental health care must also be included in the conditions covered by insurance . This is part of my agenda this year .
However , I don ’ t think supporting those with lived experience is purely the government ’ s responsibility or the private
Her son brightens up her day . sector ’ s . Moving the mental health agenda forward in our country is a marathon , not a sprint . We won ’ t see changes overnight , so the key is to keep the momentum going .
The onus is on us to check up on one another . We must try to find some normalcy in the fact that uncertainties could remain for some time . The simple act of asking “ How are you ?” is in itself an investment that can be made by each and every one of us . The pandemic should be seen as an opportunity to encourage more and more people to talk about their struggles .
We must normalise that mental health isn ’ t something to be afraid of or be ashamed of . What ’ s important is how we manage our mental health when we struggle just a little bit more than usual and support those with lived experience .
Your efforts have been recognised by the World Federation for Mental Health , the World Health Organisation and other United Nations agencies . Can you tell us of your plans to promote mental health awareness ? I am wary of setting a big mission for a small team of four . We have big goals to reach , but we are not afraid to start small . A personal goal is to promote mental health education and connect practitioners , caregivers , and volunteers nationwide and globally to share knowledge and best practices . This is important for us at the Green Ribbon Group simply because we are not professionals ourselves .
The critical thing is for us to ensure support , not only for those with lived experience but also for their caregivers . We need to move towards a community approach to mental health . We need to instil the mindset that mental health is the responsibility of all . And we need to start communicating how we can play a supportive role . For instance , how can we listen effectively without judging ? For these reasons , the Green Ribbon Group is sponsoring anyone willing to undertake the Mental Health First Aid course run by the Malaysian Mental Health Association . I hope that small steps like this will trickle down into efforts to raise awareness and break the stigma in communities .
What would be your message to Malaysians on the importance of mental health awareness ? For those of you with lived experience , please know that there are people who care for you and are willing to help you . If anyone reading this would like suggestions on where to go for help , please head over to the Green Ribbon Group ’ s website at www . greenribbongroup . com . We have compiled a list of helplines and affordable places to visit . @ greenribbongroup . my on Instagram also has a bunch of infographics to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing .
It ’ s worth remembering that you cannot pour from an empty cup , but you will be able to move mountains if nurtured . I have to keep reminding myself of this . It ’ s essential to have a mental health day or a moment if a day is too difficult . Just some downtime to yourself to sit back , unwind and relax . We all need a time out , and we shouldn ’ t feel guilty about it .
Finally , we should be mindful that others may be going through a tough time that perhaps we know nothing about . I hope we can extend a helping hand to one another a lot more . Sometimes I feel it is almost foreign to ask someone , “ How are you ?” We need to go back to basics and keep in mind that kindness and compassion go a long way . — The Health
For those of you with lived experience , please know that there are people who care for you and are willing to help you . If anyone reading this would like suggestions on where to go for help , please head over to the Green Ribbon Group ’ s website at www . greenribbongroup . com . We have compiled a list of helplines and affordable places to visit . @ greenribbongroup . my on Instagram also has a bunch of infographics to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing .”
The Green Ribbon team .