Written by :
Iffah Suraya
Lifelong Learner and Mental Health Counselor
Alumni of Boston University, USA, and University of Malaya, Malaysia
Let’s be real: Bullying isn’t new. It happens in schools, workplaces, and in our own homes, and remains a serious problem with major consequences, such as physical health issues, behavioral problems, and, of course, psychological challenges that last into adulthood, such as depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and loneliness (read here for tips on how to overcome loneliness).
Put simply, bullying is defined as an intentional negative behavior that is repeated and involves an imbalance of social or physical power[1]. And here’s the thing: Being bullied not only puts us at risk for poor emotional development, but also cognitive, social, and identity development[2]. Cognitively speaking, the stress from bullying affects concentration[3] and promotes negative thought patterns[4]. Socially speaking, those who have been bullied are prone to self-isolation and poorer social skills. Identity wise, our self-image and self-worth get disrupted.
With so many negative consequences, it’s shocking and worrying that bullying is still rampant[5]. What’s more, these days, it happens online too.
Just like other forms of bullying, cyberbullying, which happens online, is on the rise[6]. Researchers define cyberbullying as “any aggressive act intended to cause harm (and) distress (bullying) via electronic communication technologies (which is) often repeated over time and reflects a power imbalance”[7]. Coercion, humiliation, deception, threats, vengeance, and any type of narcissistic behavior are examples of bullying that take place online.
That being said, categorically-speaking, the most common types of cyberbullying include posting private information about a person or company online ie. unauthorized access to information (doxxing), sharing private intimate, sexual, & sensitive material without a person’s consent over the Internet (revenge porn), threatening, frightening, & harassing someone via the Internet (cyberstalking), creating a fake identity online to deceive another person (online impersonation), and disrupting any online community on purpose by posting offensive & provocative content (trolling).
But what does one do when faced with the above? Where does one go?
In Malaysia, you can take legal action based on the following legislation:
1. Defamation Act 1957
Those who believe they have been defamed online are able to file a lawsuit under the Defamation Act 1957[8]. Defamation refers to any statement that may injure the reputation of another person, causing them to be subjected to hatred, contempt, or ridicule. This Act recognizes two forms of defamation: libel (written or published defamatory statements) and slander (spoken defamatory statements).
2. Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
Those who receive threatening or harassing messages, for instance on social media (or any other form of electronic communication), can file a lawsuit under Section 233 of this Act[9]. Generally, this Act provides guidelines for content standards to prevent offensive, indecent, obscene, or false content from being broadcast or disseminated, prohibiting content that threatens public order and national security or offends public morality. Specifically, Section 233 criminalizes online content that is obscene, indecent, false, menacing, or offensive in character with the intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass another person[10].
Legal matters aside, it also helps to take control of the toll cyberbullying has taken on you or anyone you know. Here are some steps you can take to protect your mental health from cyberbullying:
Reach out to people you trust so that you feel supported. Shame may prevent a person from doing so[11]. Just know that emotional pain is a normal part of being human, and that reaching out to the right people is a great idea.
Attend counseling sessions with a mental health professional. They can help you work on any symptoms of mental health problems due to cyberbullying. Slowly regain your confidence, trust, and emotional well-being. Check out our informative article on how to improve self-esteem. You may also reach out to our team of counselors & coaches for sessions.
Take everyday one step at a time, focusing on doing what’s within your control, such as carrying out productive activities, reflecting on your own truth, managing how much time you spend online, consciously regulating your emotions (here’s how to do so), practicing deep breathing and mindfulness, etc. You may also block, report, deactivate, and adjust privacy settings, as you see fit.
Connecting with those who have been through the same kinds of experiences can also empower us to cope better[12].
Without a doubt, due to their widespread impact, both bullying and cyberbullying deserve the same urgent attention as other world problems such as poverty, natural disasters, and political instability, and cyberbullying deserves the same amount of attention as bullying.
If you have recently experienced cyberbullying, having sessions with a mental health professional is a good place to start, in addition to taking possible legal action and protecting yourself from further harm online. Not convinced about psychotherapy & counseling? Read this article on why psychotherapy matters.
References
1. Olweus, D. (1993). Bullying at school. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Olweus D. (1978). Aggression in the schools. Bullies and whipping boys. Hemisphere.
Nakamoto, J., & Schwartz, D. (2010). Is peer victimization associated with academic achievement? A meta-analytic review. Social Development, 19(2), 221-242.
Gini, G., & Pozzoli, T. (2009). Association between bullying and psychosomatic problems: A meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 123(3), 1059-1065.
Azuar, A., & Wahab, S. (2024, April 23). Bully, a problem at school and home. The Malaysian Reserve. https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/04/23/bully-a-problem-at-school-and-home/
Davies, S. (2020, May 6). Revenge porn soars in Europe’s coronavirus lockdown as student fights back . Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-europe-porn-trfn-idUSKBN22H2I6/
Cyberbullying Across the Globe: Gender, Family, and Mental Health, Springer (2016)
Laws of Malaysia. (1957). Defamation Act 1957 (Act 286). Available at: Attorney General’s Chambers of Malaysia
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). (1998). Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). Available at: MCMC Official Website
Official Portal Ministry of Communications. (n.d.). Govt Welcomes Ideas To Improve Section 233 Of The Communications And Multimedia Act. Komunikasi.gov.my. https://www.komunikasi.gov.my/en/public/news/23606-govt-welcomes-ideas-to-improve–233-of-the-communications-and-multimedia-act#:~:text=%20233%20criminalises%20online%20content,to%20one%20year%2C%20or%20both.
Wang, J., Nansel, T. R., & Iannotti, R. J. (2011). Cyber and traditional bullying: differential association with depression. The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, 48(4), 415–417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.07.012
Yin, X. Q., Wang, L. H., Zhang, G. D., Liang, X. B., Li, J., Zimmerman, M. A., & Wang, J. L. (2017). The promotive effects of peer support and active coping on the relationship between bullying victimization and depression among chinese boarding students. Psychiatry research, 256, 59–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2017.06.037
Written by :
Lifelong Learner and Mental Health Counselor
Alumni of Boston University, USA, and University of Malaya, Malaysia
2 Perfectly Simple Ways Out of Procrastination That Will Get You DoingAdjust your expectations and stop labeling yourself as lazy.
Have you ever just laid back and engaged in mindless scrolling–either through the countless shows on Netflix or through Instagram posts–even after you’ve made a to-do list for the week? Somehow, the act of gathering up the mental energy to ‘just do it’ feels impossible, and so time goes by, and nothing you had planned gets done. Does this stressful situation sound familiar?
And as you watch your list of tasks pile up, you start sending self-shaming messages to your brain, such as “why am I like this?”, even when self-blame only leads you to feel defeated… Nobody has ever been inspired to get to action by bringing themselves down.
So then, how do we lift our spirits up to be in the mood for doing; for getting things done? The answer lies in managing the intense anxiety we feel from not meeting our secretly high expectations– such anxiety also comes from not knowing if we will ever get it done because… we’re not in the mood!
Without a doubt, it is through understanding why we procrastinate– why we delay what we have to do– that we can help ourselves stop procrastinating and finally get ahead, because time is ticking.
Notice the language here: with procrastination, we feel we have to do it whether or not we want to do it. Indeed, there is a lot of self-imposed expectation in the minds of procrastinators, who are likely to be perfectionists.
Sounds conflicting, but the idea is that those of us who procrastinate actually expect the best, so we can only accept doing our tasks if we can do it perfectly– and doing things perfectly takes a whole lot of energy, and even so, some things are outside of our control, which means no matter how perfectly we do something, we might fail. So why try? This, ladies and gentlemen, is the essence of the mind of the perfectionist procrastinator: We have to do it and we have to do it perfectly.
First of all, we have to do it implies that your well-being doesn’t matter to you. It’s like you’re saying to yourself “who cares if you have zero energy to do it? You have to do it regardless, push on!” (which ironically tends to backfire very often). Even when stressed, exhausted, and overwhelmed by unprocessed worries, the perfectionist who procrastinates insists that the list of tasks they have planned have a say, whereas their mental health doesn’t.
To put it simply, it can be a good thing when we’re procrastinating because it’s essentially a sign that we may need to take some time for self-care, in which self-care is likely to help us regain that mental energy necessary for quitting procrastination and getting things done.
To challenge this pressuring self-expectation:
“I trust that I will do it when I’m ready– maybe it’s okay if I want to take some time to do nothing. I matter. When I’m ready, I will ask myself: what is it that if I do for myself– a need of mine that if I meet– will make me feel more in the mood for doing this?”
When we give ourselves the space to be human and allow ourselves the time to find our source of inspiration, intrinsic motivation will follow (Chu & Choi, 2005). Indeed, giving ourselves time and distance before getting to action can work wonders (HBR, 2019).
Secondly, we have to do it perfectly implies that there is only one right way to do things and if we don’t do it in that exact way, there’s no point in doing it at all- and so we procrastinate. Such thinking is faulty because as human beings, we learn to do better from our mistakes (Kelly, 2015).
Besides, there never is a one-size-fits-all solution to all the problems in the world, which means that permitting ourselves the freedom to explore multiple approaches is the only way never-before-thought-of innovations happen.
To challenge the rigid belief that we have to do something perfectly, we can ask ourselves:
“What does it mean about me and my life if I do not do something perfectly? Why might something still be worth doing even if it’s done imperfectly (not to my expectations)?”
More questions to ask yourself:
To wrap things up, whenever you find it hard to bring yourself to do something (procrastinate), lean into the anxiety that’s there, telling you to slow down and approach life with more balance. Practicing mindfulness and emotional regulation can help you with procrastination anxiety. But if you feel like you’ve tried your best and it’s still going nowhere, consider speaking to a mental health professional to help yourself out of procrastination. We have a wonderful article here that can help you understand what talk therapy is about so that you can decide if it’s for you.
On another note, if you’re having trouble searching for professional mental health help, here’s a list to get you started on your search:
Written by :
Lifelong Learner and Mental Health Counselor
Alumni of Boston University, USA, and University of Malaya, Malaysia
References:
Before you go, if you liked this article, why not share it with someone to spread the goodness?
Celebrating World Gratitude Day by forwarding our gratitude to womanhood.World Gratitude Day is observed on September 21 every year. This day gives all individuals, societies, organizations, and countries a chance to celebrate the occasion of gratitude and give thanks to each other.
Do you know the origin of World Gratitude Day?
The idea to celebrate World Gratitude Day came first in 1965 during a Thanksgiving dinner in the meditation room of the United Nations building. Sri Chinmoy, an Indian spiritual leader, and meditation teacher, suggested a day of gratitude that the whole world could celebrate together.With that, each member present decided to hold a gratitude gathering each year in their country on September 21. Then, in 1977 a group that ran the meditation room requested a resolution that would give recognition for World Gratitude Day. This happened at the New York Headquarters during a special ceremony that honored Sri Chinmoy for his work. Ever since then, World Gratitude Day has been observed annually worldwide.
Spiritual leader: Sri Chinmoy
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude is the awareness and expression of the of blessings that one has in the form of qualities, lessons, people, achievements, possessions, support, privileges, experiences, and gifts.
Gratitude is often related to humility, generosity, and mindfulness.
Gratitude has several positive health benefits:
-Feel more positive emotions
-Build healthier relationships
-Feel happier
-Increase in self-esteem
-Increase optimism
-Reduces materialism
-Reduces depressive symptoms
-Improves sleep
-Helps in substance abuse recovery
It’s quite surprising, isn’t it? Something as simple as being grateful for what we have and receive can have a multitude of positive impacts. But, at the same time, it’s very obvious. In moments of genuine, overflowing happiness, we have felt grateful.
In daily life, we must see that is it not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy – Brother David Steindl-Rast
So, having a day of gratitude is another reason to feel grateful in our lives. Now, let’s explore some ways that Drona our founder & CEO thinks she can celebrate World Gratitude Day, on September 21, and every day. Being a woman herself, she feels one way is by forwarding gratitude to amazing women she has met and advocating for women mental health. Hence publishing this article written by Dr Subashini.
Women mental health – Reset just before it shut
Recently more, young girls are experiencing mental health concerns.Nearly 3 times as many young women as young men (26%) have a common mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression. PTSD affects 1 in 7 young women (16–24) compared to 3.6% of young men.
Why are women more likely to experience problems like anxiety or depression specifically? Reasons, such as the woman’s health being predisposed by an abusive family member or any stressful incident at work, may fuel to her anxiety. Relationship-related concerns have gained popularity on TikTok and may have accelerated the development anxiety disorders.
If you find your everyday overwhelming, remember the following.
Anxiety and despair may worsen until they reach a point where one can lose consciousness or experience a mental arrest if you are stressed out and try to complete everything at once. Therefore, when women find it tough to tackle a work as before, they need to learn how to break it down. Avoid glorifying multitasking, remember, one task at a time!
In fact, when women understand what is wrong with them and acknowledge it to either a qualified healthcare expert or a reliable person, they need to be aware of the warning signs that indicate a worsening of their the condition.
Dr.Subashini (MBBS)
Reducing Mental Health Stigma on College Campuses in Malaysia 
Mental health is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. With the increasing awareness surrounding mental health issues, it is crucial to address the stigma associated with it, especially on college campuses in Malaysia. This blog post aims to explore the importance of reducing mental health stigma and provide strategies for creating a more supportive environment for students.
Understanding Mental Health Stigma
Stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that surround mental health conditions. It often leads to discrimination and can prevent individuals from seeking help or speaking openly about their struggles. In the context of college campuses, where young adults are navigating various challenges and transitions, addressing mental health stigma becomes even more critical.
The Impact of Stigma on Students
When mental health stigma persists on college campuses, it can have detrimental effects on students’ well-being and academic success. Students may feel ashamed or embarrassed about seeking help, leading them to suffer silently without proper support. This can result in increased stress levels, decreased productivity, and even higher dropout rates.
Strategies for Reducing Mental Health Stigma
The Road Ahead
Reducing mental health stigma on college campuses in Malaysia requires a collective effort from students, faculty, staff, and the wider community. By implementing strategies that promote understanding, open dialogue, and access to support services, we can create a more inclusive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help for their mental health concerns.
Remember, mental health matters, and breaking down the barriers of stigma is crucial in ensuring the well-being and success of our college students.
We at Drona Wellness are thankful to the faculty members of MAHSA University, University of Readings and Honsbridge International in being part of our mission in reducing mental health stigma on college campuses in Malaysia by being part of our Staff Counselling Techniques and Mental Health Response Program.
Note: This blog post was written as part of Drona Wellness’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness about mental health issues.
Mental Health Response Awareness Program: Royal Malaysia PolicePolicing is a demanding and high-stress profession that often takes a toll on the mental health of police officers. However, seeking help for mental health issues remains a significant challenge for many officers in Malaysia.
The Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said based on an internal study conducted by the police on the mental health of its officers and personnel, several factors that had contributed to suicidal tendencies include stress, health and marital issues marriage, as well as new working environment.
On June 14 2023, Drona Wellness with our collaborative partner, BG Holdings Sdn Bhd, conducted a mental Health Response Awareness program for the Commercial Crime Investigation Department, Royal Malaysia Police, Bukit Aman. We had the opportunity to meet amazing officers, discuss and start an open conversation about the barriers that prevent police officers from seeking help. In this blog post, we will explore some of the barriers that prevent police officers from seeking the mental health support they need.
One of the primary barriers to seeking mental health help among police officers in Malaysia is the stigma attached to mental illness. There is a prevailing belief that seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of weakness or incompetence. This stigma creates a fear of judgement among police officers, making them reluctant to reach out for support. We conducted an activity on blowing a balloon, writing one stigma on the balloon and ‘breaking’ the stigma by bursting the balloon with hope of making the change the mental space needs.
Another barrier faced by police officers in Malaysia is the lack of awareness and education about mental health. Many officers may not recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues or understand how to access appropriate resources. Without this knowledge, they may be unaware that help is available or unsure about where to turn. During the awareness workshop, they were exposed to common mental health issues and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The organizational culture within law enforcement agencies can also contribute to barriers in seeking mental health help. In some cases, there may be a lack of support or understanding from supervisors and colleagues, which further deters officers from seeking assistance. Additionally, concerns about confidentiality and potential repercussions within their career can discourage officers from reaching out for help.
Access to mental health services can be limited for police officers in Malaysia. There may be a shortage of specialized services tailored to their unique needs or long waiting lists for appointments. The lack of accessible and timely care can discourage officers from pursuing treatment.
The nature of policing exposes officers to various work-related stressors such as traumatic incidents, long hours, shift work, and high-pressure situations. These stressors can contribute to the development of mental health issues. However, the demanding nature of their work can also make it challenging for police officers to find time to prioritize their mental well-being or seek help.
Addressing the barriers to seeking mental health help among police officers in Malaysia is crucial for promoting the overall well-being of these dedicated professionals. Efforts should focus on reducing stigma, increasing awareness and education, fostering a supportive organizational culture, improving access to mental health services, and implementing strategies to manage work-related stressors. By breaking down these barriers, we can ensure that police officers have the support they need to maintain good mental health and continue serving their communities effectively.
We at Drona Wellness are honoured to conduct their Mental Health Response awareness program to have taken comprehensive action and further improve their training modules from time to time and revised existing programmes.
Those suffering from problems can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929)
Note: This blog post was written as part of Drona Wellness’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness about mental health response.
5 Powerful Connection Between Art Expression and Mental Health
Art has long been recognised as a powerful form of self-expression. From painting and sculpture to music and dance, art allows individuals to communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a unique and profound way. But did you know that art expression can also have a positive impact on mental health?
1. Release for Emotions
One of the key benefits of engaging in art expression is its ability to serve as an outlet for emotions. When we create art, we have the opportunity to channel our feelings into something tangible. Whether it’s painting a vibrant canvas or writing a heartfelt poem, this act of creation can provide a sense of release and catharsis. If you listen to this video, the sound of the sand on the canvas was truly satisfying.
Malaysia’s population in the first quarter 2023 was estimated at 33.2 million, increased by 1.6 per cent as compared to first quarter 2022 (32.6 million) according to department of statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The total population comprised 30.4 million (91.7%) Citizens and 2.8 million (8.3%) Non-Citizens. This increase was contributed by the positive natural increase of Citizens and higher Non-Citizen population. Three states with the highest population in the first quarter 2023 were Selangor (21.7%) followed by Johor (12.3%) and Sabah (10.4%).
According to data from the Health Ministry, Johor recorded a high number of people with mental health problems at 40 %, followed by Labuan (33%), Sabah (23%), Negeri Sembilan (18%), and Perlis (16%). Selangor and Melaka both recorded 15%, while Pahang (13%) and Perak (12%) recorded. Less than 10% of those screened in Penang, Sarawak, Kedah, Terengganu had mental health problems, while only 1% of those screened in Kelantan experienced depression and anxiety.
According to an article in The Star dated March 8, 2023, the residents of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya were found to be the most depressed in Malaysia. While this study involved screening 336,900 residents nationwide, does this data provide a comprehensive overview?
Hence, an integrated mental health policy is needed across various sectors, including health, education, employment, and social services. Efforts to establish coordination and collaboration among agencies can lead to a more comprehensive and holistic approach to mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment.
By being culturally aware, increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring accessible and quality mental health services, Malaysia can move towards a society that supports the well-being of all its citizens in line with World Mental Health Day’s theme for 2023, set by the World Foundation of Mental Health, is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.
Understanding that every person has a culture – the many customs and beliefs that shape our perspectives and create a lens through which we see others. We are our own experts in the cultural experiences that influence our lives. Yet, when we try to communicate with people from other cultures, we need to ask ourselves whether or not we are doing so in an effective and appropriate manner. It is impossible to become an expert in every culture. Even so, we can become more culturally aware, understand our own cultural influences, and respect and value the differences of other individuals and groups. If we strive to learn from and about those with whom we interact, we will naturally become more culturally informed.
“People often consider eye contact as a sign of honesty and interest in conversation, but some cultures view direct eye contact as a sign of disrespect.”
In our mental health response program, we use these 10 ways from the American Psychological Association to be more culturally aware:
Opportunities to expand our cultural understanding exist everywhere, especially when we consider culture beyond its association with ethnicity. Culture is central to our identity and, as such, may be seen or unseen by others. Culture is shaped by personal experiences that may include: ethnic and racial identity; religion; age; educational level; body size; heritage and family tradition; physical and cognitive abilities; sexual orientation; gender identity; and geographic and socioeconomic experiences.
We are influenced by our own values, beliefs, biases and life experiences. We need to carefully consider how our perspectives affect our understanding of other cultures and avoid making assumptions about others based on our own experiences. Becoming culturally aware starts with recognizing the limitations of our own cultural knowledge.
When working with people with disabilities. Avoid phrases that suggest helplessness or tragedy. For example, say “Bob uses a wheelchair” instead of “Bob is in a wheelchair.”
Hearing is not necessarily listening. Our own perceptions, biases and expectations sometimes make it difficult to really listen to and comprehend both overt and covert messages. Be mindful to focus on and identify the information being conveyed.
People feel respected when others are genuinely interested in learning about their views and perspectives. Consider incorporating questions into conversations that demonstrate your desire to learn more about others’ cultural experiences. Use simple or open-ended questions that encourage dialogue, such as:
“What do you think?”
“How can I be of assistance to you?”
“What information is important for me to know about you and your culture?”
“If I was a member of your community, how would I most likely react to/cope with this situation?”
We encourage responders, survivors and mental health advocates to share their personal healing story. Storytelling and personal sharing are important communication techniques that transcend most cultures. Consider sharing relevant personal stories as a way to start a conversation or build rapport.
Sometimes, behaviours can provide more details about how someone is reacting to a situation than what they may be comfortable saying. It is important to recognize welcoming behaviours as well as those that may be defensive so that you can adjust your approach accordingly. Similarly, be aware of your own body language. Does standing while others are sitting demonstrate authority, or aggressiveness?
Before approaching a new group of people, consider whether the materials you have to offer or your presentation need to be adapted to ensure that you are understood. In some cases, it might be necessary to translate materials or invite an interpreter to the presentation. Other times, such as when communicating with young children, simply adjusting your vocabulary might suffice.
In group contexts, individuals sometimes make insensitive and hurtful comments about others (e.g., jokes, slurs, etc.). Do not reinforce this behaviour. If you are comfortable doing so, make known your discomfort with what has been said and ask that no more insensitive comments be made.
We may make assumptions about people’s cultural identity while they may have an entirely different perception of themselves. Listen for information about self-perception. For example, do they consider themselves as having a spouse or a life partner? People may identify with a particular aspect of their diversity at different times (e.g., being a lesbian may be very salient in some circumstances but not in others)
Culture can influence the manner in which individuals express their emotions. To best communicate with people in any community, it is important that you be open to differences in how people express their feelings. Ask community leaders to help you understand any differences and to identify effective ways to communicate and/or provide support. For example, individuals in some cultures may be uncomfortable with any type of confrontation and, as a result, may go along with an idea you present when in reality they do not support it.
What is …
You can also take a Mental Health Response course. Drona Wellness offers tailored courses understanding needs of Malaysian population and can help you better understand your community and peers in responding to mental health. Get trained today and #BeAResponder for those around you. Our programs are HRDC claimable.
You may ask why choose such an odd title for a blog post? What comes to mind when you think of colourful confetti? Happy thoughts, joy and laughter…..but the confetti that I am about to dive into isn’t all that colourful…..or is it? Recently and also about 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Although I have medical knowledge, a mental health advocate and a certified mental health responder. I am not going to talk about what the disorder is but I will tell you what I went through and how rough it was on me.
In June 2020, I was hospitalized in the psychiatrist ward for 10 days due to aggressive behaviour, disorganized thoughts and behaviours and having delusions, hearing voices that were not there.
The reason I called this colourful brain confetti is because that was how my brain behaved. Colourful and all mixed up like confetti, a mess…..it may sound like vivid imagination….my brain used to make up little creative stories and link them to everything that was going on around me, I was in a state of confusion. I was in a mess. I could not differentiate between fantasy and reality as there was a very thin line separating the two. I used to think I was the reason behind everything, including Covid, everyone was talking about me including the radio DJ’s who probably didn’t know of my existence.
At the time, I just was so confused, I wish my family understood the reason behind my frustration. I was in the hospital not knowing what I did that landed me there. It was at the peak of Covid and family members were not allowed visits due to restrictions. I was crying a lot thinking that my family had abandoned me when they didn’t wanted my family to know how much I love them and things were not in my control.
To the doctors, who treated me while I was there. I wish to thank them for correctly diagnosing me and bringing me back to my normal state. Although I have to take medication for life now, I still find it better than having to go back to the mess I was in.
I do hope that I find a guy who loves me someday and brings out the best in me and stays even when he sees the worst in me.
My message to all readers out there, as a survivor and fellow mental health advocate is: It takes sunshine and rain to make a rainbow, so put up with the rain with hopes of experiencing sunshine and eventually you will get to your rainbow.
“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” — John Green
Written by Dr. Subashini
Anxiety is a mental health condition that has become more common especially post-covid 19. When fear and worry are persistent and you have trouble focusing, and when you feel like you’re in danger even when there isn’t any danger, it becomes challenging to go to work or school, mingle with friends, or have a regular, fulfilling life.
But how does the experience of anxiety differ between younger (youths) and older people (middle age)?
Teenage phase ( 13-19 years)
This phase is where one undergoes puberty and they start to fear their physical change ,trying to fit into a group of friends and figure out who they are. During this phase ,the teenagers need the right guidance either from parents or teachers.
Teenagers may suffer from anxiety, which they show by withdrawing from others, eating poorly, and engaging in games to avoid facing challenges. They might share some biological symptoms to their close ones. For instance, a teenager might tell his mother that he is feeling raising heart rates, sweaty palm when he had to go out to participate in marathon ordained by his school or female may report experiencing limb weakness and choking anytime she must ascend a flight of stairs to give a speech.
Teenagers who are anxious may skip class or engage in dangerous or unhealthy behavior as a coping mechanism. Early middle age ( 35-44 years) This phase is where adults achieved most of their dreams . Is that right? Perhaps that’s the standard in society. But not everyone will enjoy it. We don’t accomplish anything depending on what others think of us.
Middle Age
We might dream of getting a fancy car by a certain age and that’s entirely fine. So during this phase, those in early middle age compare and compete with their relatives or friends to achieve some of their goals. It can be healthy as long as it doesn’t cause any anxiety symptoms and remains non-disturbing.
Some examples I have encountered: An engineer might complain about problems falling asleep and that he worries constantly about how he will pay his expenses and feed his family. A lab assistant may say that she has increased muscle tension and irritability due to relationship issues. There are many who experience anxiety at this age, trying to cope with consuming beverages containing alcohol or other types of stimulants.
What to Do?
Although not excluding other age groups, these 2 stages may have higher levels of anxiousness. However, this age group is able to comprehend the severity of the anxiety and the need for support in order to help them get over it and improve their quality of life. First, when one experiencing those symptoms
1. Acknowledge the symptoms
2. Try to talk to an expert (counselor, clinical psychologist) or family member who can listen, help, and support
3. Attend therapy sessions to manage the symptoms
4. See a psychiatrist for more severe symptoms