Healing Sampai ‘Hilang’ – Crisis Mastery Forum Sheds Light on Mental Health and Resilience amid Stigma

By, Alif Alex

GOMBAK, 8 November 2024: Students, educators, and counselors gathered at the Kulliyyah of Education for an impactful forum titled, Healing Sampai Hilang – Crisis Mastery as part of Counseling Month 2024. Organized by the Council of Counseling Students (CCSI), the forum provided insights on managing mental health issues and overcoming societal stigma.

The event featured two esteemed speakers, Puan Nur Areefah binti Che Ahmad Tantowi and Encik Muhammad Nur Adli Bin Azam, both alumni of IIUM with extensive experience in mental health care.

Puan Nur Areefah, President of the Malaysian Mental Care Association (MeCare), shared a deeply personal account of her journey with mental health. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Puan Areefah spoke candidly about her struggles with social anxiety, insomnia, and major depressive disorder. She recounted the support she received from friends and how spirituality was a vital coping mechanism. She explained that her condition improved significantly after undergoing electroconvulsive therapy and revealed that she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer during pregnancy in 2020. Her story highlighted the importance of resilience and seeking support despite the stigma often associated with mental health issues.

Puan Areefah also responded to questions about societal stigma. She emphasised that many people avoid seeking counseling because of self-stigma fearing they’ll be labeled as problematic individuals. Others, she explained, have been discouraged by negative experiences with certain counselors. Her responses sparked conversations on reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help.

A counselor at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Cyberjaya, Encik Muhammad Nur Adli, shared his observations on psychological trends among school students. He noted that issues like peer conflict, academic stress, and family problems are common concerns for students. Additionally, the prevalence of gadgets and social media contributes to psychosocial issues, highlighting a need for greater awareness and balanced technology use among youth.

Encik Adli also addressed the resources available to students, explaining that school counselors must be attentive listeners, apply relevant theories, and adapt to technological advancements. This, he said, is key to providing effective and relatable support to students facing mental health challenges.

The forum was attended by students and teachers from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bukit Indah, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Setapak Indah, and Sekolah Menengah Setia Budi.

In the final discussion segment, Dr. Puteri Azlian Megat Ramli addressed the importance of mental health maintenance. She stressed that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of religious background or strength of faith. She also emphasised that it is crucial to know whom to talk to, such as counselors, when facing emotional challenges.

The “Healing Sampai Hilang – Crisis Mastery” forum stressed on the value of mental health care and provided a safe space for addressing stigma, encouraging resilience, and advocating for accessible support systems.***