‘Mental Health Matters’ attendees filling out forms to reflect on their mood and stress levels, as part of the event at USM in George Town. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
MORE young Malaysians are breaking the silence around mental health, choosing to seek help and support as awareness grows and stigma fades.
At a “Mental Health Matters” event held at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in George Town, Penang, several students shared how they were learning to manage stress and emotional challenges more openly.
College student K. Darshan Narain, 20, said monitoring his own stress levels and addressing it early had become part of his routine.
“If I need to relax, I play video games as it helps me calm down and regulate my feelings.
“As students, we face many kinds of stress, especially during exams.
Darshan says his peers are more comfortable now talking about mental health.
“I have learnt to talk to my counsellor whenever I need to, as it really helps,” said the IT degree student.
Darshan said he had noticed a shift among his peers, who are more comfortable discussing mental health and seeking professional help.
“Everyone needs someone to talk to sometimes. There is now less stigma about asking for help,” he added.
T. Poonesha, 19, an occupational safety and health diploma student, said therapy had become an accepted part of her and her friends’ lives.
“We check in with each other and spend time together. Therapy is no longer taboo.
“Even if it costs money, we are willing to pay because it helps us feel better,” she said.
Poonesha said she has been keeping a journal to jot down her thoughts, which helped her process her emotions.
“Talking about our struggles makes a big difference.
“Sometimes our friends can offer guidance or just be there to listen.
“It has also become easier to talk to our parents about mental health,” she said.
For 22-year-old Khairina Khaldun Ahmad, who is interning at a mental health organisation, attending such events has helped her connect with others who share similar experiences.
“Engaging with people and exchanging stories help me realise that I am not alone.
“Many of us go through the same struggles and we can learn from one another,” she added.
Khairina has also joined group therapy sessions, which she said helped her gain a deeper understanding of herself.
Cho takes a break and disconnects from social media when she feels overwhelmed.
“It is always better to reach out rather than suppress your feelings.”
Psychology student Celine Cho, 23, said her studies had taught her how to apply coping strategies in her own life.
“When I feel overwhelmed, I take a break and stay off social media.
“It helps me rest my mind and think more clearly,” she said.
However, Cho noted that cultural attitudes could still pose challenges.
“I come from a background where people do not really understand psychology or mental health, and they often question my choice of study.
“I am glad my generation is more open and recognises that mental health is just as important as physical health,” she said.
The “Mental Health Matters” event, held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2025, was organised by Befrienders Penang with the support of USM.
In attendance were Penang health and youth committee chairman Daniel Gooi and Befrienders Penang patron Tan Lean Kee, who is Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s wife.
The event also featured a forum titled “Ethical Suicide Reporting Can Save Lives.”
During the keynote address, psychiatrist Dr Ng Yin Ping highlighted how the way suicide cases were communicated and reported could potentially cause harm to others.
The forum then featured a panel discussion on ethical suicide reporting, with Dr Ng joined by Befrienders Penang chairman Saras Pillay, Content Forum chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood and senior journalist Arnold Loh.
The session was moderated by USM associate professor Dr Nor Shafrin Ahmad.
