IT is an acknowledged fact that life as a young adult is very challenging. The changes in the body and environment as they move from a structured school environment to college and university can sometimes be overwhelming.
For adolescents or young adults, it is easier to talk about their issues with someone of their age or have a mindset like them, rather than with an adult. This makes peer counselling very effective, as it helps adolescents feel comfortable to take that first step in addressing their problem.
The pioneer group of MUCM Peers at their official launch with MUCM Leadership members in attendance.
Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM) recently launched MUCM Peers, which consists of 32 students from all MUCM programmes.
MUCM, which is one of the oldest providers of private healthcare education in Malaysia, is cognisant of what the future needs and holds for its students. An extension of the Manipal Group from India, established in 1953, MUCM is celebrating its 25th anniversary in September.
This pioneer group of MUCM Peers was selected after extensive interviews, as well as academic and extracurricular performance checking.
The MUCM Peers is the embodiment of the student mental health, wellbeing and support system framework under the Counselling Unit, Student Services.
“Mental health is an invisible, easily misunderstood state of mind. Being with my colleagues I've come to the realisation that most of them are fighting their own silent battles daily,” said fourth year Medical Studies student Kottegodage Supipi Peumali Perera from Sri Lanka.
“I stepped up as a volunteer to help assure my friends that they are not alone. An illness, whether of the heart, leg or brain is still an illness. Mental health issues need to be given the same priority as any other illness. I hope to help break the stigma around mental health by joining MUCM Peers,” she added.
The team will play a large role in the character development of the Peers as they assist in the planning, implementation and review of programmes and initiatives by the Counselling Unit, Student Services to achieve its vision.
They will be trained and equipped with basic counselling skills, effective communication skills, helping skills and many more.
Foundation in Science student Luvendrn V Reviindran has already experienced the positive impact of MUCM Peers.
“I got to meet a lot of new people, all incredibly diverse in terms of personality,” he said.
“Despite the movement being in its early stages, I can already feel the impact it will have on the students and us as peers and it gives me a sense of joy and satisfaction.”
Studying Medicine or Dentistry is a marathon, not a sprint.
“A support system is important as you pursue your path to become future healthcare professionals,” said MUCM vice chancellor Prof Dr Patrick Kee at the launch event.
“It has been proven to increase your self-esteem, improve your coping skills, produce higher levels of well-being, and reduces depression, anxiety, and stress. A strong support system will help you go when things get tough, whether psychologically or emotionally, which is why we are delighted to introduce MUCM Peers.”
Peer member Sabrina Teoh (middle) celebrating her birthday along with other members on campus.
This sentiment was echoed by second-year medical student Sabrina Teo Muhammad Teo as she reflected on her role as an MUCM Peer, “Life will demand you to do the work, for you to understand yourself, for you to heal even when it hurts; for you to be brave, for you to fight for yourself with a little help from your peers.”
*For more details on programmes, call 1-700 811 662 or visit www.manipal.edu.my
