“By 2020, mental illness is expected to be the second biggest health problem affecting Malaysians after heart disease.” - New Straits Times (June 2020).
“Every 1 in 3 adults aged 16 years and above in Malaysia suffer from some form of mental health issues.” - The National Health Morbidity Survey (2015).
The Psych Society from the Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) programme of Taylor’s University organized a ‘Mental Health Day’ event, with the theme: “Behind the Screens” on 10 October 2020.
We believe that it is important to spread awareness and understanding regarding mental health and illnesses as it is still a stigma in today’s world, especially among Malaysians. This event acted as a public awareness initiative, in hopes that the attitudes of Malaysians towards mental illness will improve.
As known, mental illness is just as aggressive as any other physical illnesses, as every individual, of any background and of any age can be a victim of mental illnesses.
Contrary to stigma, mental health, just like physical illness, is nothing to be ashamed of or looked down upon. Education is the core to acceptance and open-mindedness which is why, education is of the utmost importance when it comes to understanding mental health problems.
Therefore, this event aimed to educate the community regarding mental health, especially the vulnerability of mental health in the current pandemic situation. This theme is chosen as it is most suitable and relatable to the current situation as well as learning method. “Behind the Screens” represents the hardships and struggles that go on behind the screens of online meeting sessions for educators, students and the working class. The objectives of the event are as follows:
To promote the importance of Mental Health in today’s day and age.
To raise awareness on the mental well-being of educators, students, and parents during this pandemic.
To build connections with the community from diverse backgrounds as well as other universities, community, and school programmes by reaching out to them.
To promote Taylor’s University’s Psychology degree programme.
An online forum and two online webinars were held on that day.
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