Helping Malaysians look after their mental health

As a society, we need to work together to help those who have mental health issues. Photo: Pixabay

To normalise talking about mental health issues, the Women’s Centre for Change Penang (WCC) has launched their "Mental Health Matters" campaign with a series of posters that teach parents how they can support their child’s mental health as well as what not to say to someone who needs help.

The posters, launched in conjunction with World Mental Health Day on Oct 10, are to help people deal with the issue that isn't talked about openly, says WCC communications officer Masya Zabidi,

WCC communications officer Masya Zabidi. Photo: WCC Penang

Masya emphasises that mental health is an important issue that everybody needs to take care of, and it's not just for one day or one month in a year, but for every day in our lives.

"It has been a glaring issue, primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Feelings like anxiety, fear, loneliness, and loss due to the pandemic have resulted in mental health concerns for many," she says.

Those who suffer from mental health problems face many challenges, she adds.

"It's unfortunate that the topic of mental health is still hugely stigmatised in Malaysian society. People, especially men, see it as a shameful and taboo topic to speak about.

"Many still erroneously believe that having a mental health disorder is embarrassing and weak. These attitudes force many to struggle in silence and never seek help," she explains.

As a society, we need to work together to come up with ways to solve these issues.

WCC's parenting tips poster shares how parents can help their children have better mental health. Photo: WCC Penang

The first campaign poster "How to support your child's mental health" shares four parenting tips on how parents can help their children have better mental health, namely, let them know they are loved and supported; provide positive feedback and encouragement; encourage them to share their feelings regularly; and get help from a mental health professional if needed.

"Through the parenting tips poster, we wish to communicate to parents the importance of encouraging children to speak freely and openly about their feelings. Teaching children the importance of mental health from a young age will help them to develop into well-adjusted adults," says Masya.

WCC's Mental Health Matters poster shares what one should not say to someone who is going through difficulties. Photo: WCC Penang

The second poster "What not to say to someone who needs help" shares four things one should not say to someone who is going through difficulties, namely, "you're overreacting", "stop being so negative", "things could be worse" and "just move on".

"It is our hope that these informative posters will help break down negative and discriminatory attitudes around mental health," she concludes.

More info at: instagram.com/wccpenang/ and wccpenang.org