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MMHA MENTAL HEALTH BULLETIN December 2016 Issue 3/2016 1

KDN PP/5342/02/2013 (031842) DECEMBER 2016 (3/2016)

MENTAL HEALTH BULLETIN

PATRON: TOH PUAN DATO’ SERI HJH. DR. AISHAH ONG

Persatuan Kesihatan Mental Malaysia

[Buletin Kesihatan Mental]

Snippets on MMHA Charity Dinner，

MALAYSIA’S MENTAL HEALTH STATUS

Life As an Intern in MMHA

MMHA Fun Activity

Do We Care Enough

For Our Mental Health ?


Publisher:

Malaysian Mental Health Association, MMHA Office: 8 Jalan 4/33, off Jalan Othman, 46050 Petaling Jaya

Telephone: 03 7782 5499, Fax: 03-7783 5432 , Email: [email protected] Website : http://mmha.org.my/

All rights reserved. Requests for bulletin or permission to reproduce or translate MMHA Mental Health bulletin – whether for

sale or for noncommercial distribution – should be addressed to MMHA as above. Views expressed by the individual authors

may not necessarily reflect that of MMHA. MMHA does not warrant that the information contained in this publication is

complete and correct and shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of its use.

MMHA MENTAL HEALTH BULLETIN Aoril Issue 1/ 2016

Contents

President’s Message 2-3

30% of Adult Malaysians have 4

mental health problems!

Caregiver Education Program 5

MMHA Charity Dinner 6-7

Life as MMHA Intern 8

MMHA Activities 9-11

EDITORIAL TE AM

Advisor : Datin Dr. Ang Kim Teng

Editor : Cheong Sue Jen

Ass istant Editor : Chee S iew Lian

Team members :

Nurhijjah bt. Mat Zin

Lum Khay Xian

Jacquelyn Tan

After almost 5 decades since its incep-

tion in 1968, MMHA is poised for a ma-

jor transformation in its redevelopment

plan. MMHA currently operates from 2

single-storey bungalow buildings in Old

Town PJ. We run a day psychosocial re-

habilitation programme and provide res-

idential facilities (for female clients only)

for the convenience of those who have

transport problem or are staying far.

One of the frequent enquiries we received from callers is about resi-

dential facility for people recovering from mental illness. To cater for

this need, MMHA plans to redevelop the site where our buildings are

located to build an integrated residential psychosocial rehab centre

that caters for both male and female clients.

The residential facility we intend to develop would be affordable. To-

gether with our established psychosocial rehabilitation programme

which is ISO certified, we believe we can provide a better service to

help those who are recovering from serious mental illness, especially

schizophrenia. This project would also provide us with a source of

steady income as we are currently almost totally dependent on public

and corporate donations for our operating cost.

In addition, the expanded facility would provide better facilities for

university students undergoing internship training at our centre, and

contribute towards mental health professional manpower develop-

ment in the country.

A charity dinner was held at JW Marriot in November 2016 to kick

start the fund raising campaign. More activities will be organised in the

coming year to raise the targeted sum of RM 2 million needed for the

project. We hope the project can take off before end of 2017.

We look forward to continuing support from the public and corpora-

tions for a worthy community project. Donations to MMHA are tax-

exempted.

Mr. See Cheng Siang,

President, Malaysian Mental Health Association

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

MMHA M ANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

President: Mr. See Cheng S iang

Dep. President : Dato’ Dr. Andrew Mohanraj

Vice Presidents : Dr. Ng Chong Guan

Mdm Poh Kim Pheng

Hon. Sec. General : Datin Dr. Ang Kim Teng

Ass istant Sec. Gen. : Mr. Mohan Chitran

Treasurer : Pn Lee S iew Bee

Members: Dr. E ileen Nadarajah

Datin Seri Aleena Abdullah

Pn Fazlin Badri Alyeope

Mdm. T. Mala Davi

Ms. Urmilah Dass

Ms. Chee Siew Lian

Dr. Nurashikin bt. Ibrahim


Selepas 5 dekad sejak penubuhan MMHA pada tahun 1968,

MMHA dalam proses melaksanakan satu perubahan

terbesar dalam sejarahnya dengan pelan pembangunan

semula pusat operasinya. MMHA kini berpusat di dua buah

rumah banglo di PJ Oldtown dan menjalankan program

pemulihan psychososial untuk mereka yang mengidapi sakit

mental. Kami juga menyediakan kemudahan penginapan

bagi mereka (untuk klien perempuan sahaja) yang

menghadapi isu pengangkutan atau tinggal jauh.

Salah satu pertanyaan yang kerap kami terima dari panggi-

lan-panggilan telefon adalah tentang kemudahan kediaman

untuk mereka yang sedang pulih dari penyakit mental. Un-

tuk memenuhi keperluan ini, MMHA merancang untuk

membina sebuah pusat pemulihan psychososial bersepadu

sekali dengan tempat kediaman bagi memenuhi keperluan

klien lelaki dan perempuan di tapak yang sedia ada.

Kami berhasrat menyediakan kemudahan kediaman dengan

harga yang berpatutan. Di samping program pemulihan

yang mantap dan mendapat pengiktirafan standard ISO,

kami percaya perkhidmatan yang lebih baik akan dapat

disediakan untuk membantu mereka pulih dari penyakit

mental yang serius terutamanya skizofrenia. Projek pem-

bangunan ini juga dapat membantu MMHA mempunyai

pendapatan yang stabil tanpa bergantung secara langsung

kepada sumbangan orang awam dan koporat untuk kos

operasi kami.

Di samping itu, pembangunan kemudahan ini juga dapat

memberi kemudahan yang lebih baik kepada pelajar univer-

siti, khasnya university swasta, yang menjalani latihan

‘internship’ di MMHA. Secara tidak langsung, projek ini

akan dapat menyumbang ke arah pembangunan tenaga

kerja professional kesihatan mental negara.

Satu Majlis Makan malam amal telah diadakan di JW Mar-

riot pada November 2016 sebagai permulaan dalam kemp-

en mengumpul dana. Lebih banyak acara akan diadakan

pada tahun akan datang untuk mencapai sasaran sebanyak

RM2 juta yang diperlukan bagi projek tersebut. Kami ber-

harap projek itu dapat dimulakan sebelum penghujung

2017.

Kami berharap akan terus mendapat sokongan daripada

orang awam dan Syarikat-syarikat untuk menyumbang ter-

hadap projek komuniti yang sungguh bermakna ini. Sum-

bangan kepada MMHA adalah dikecualikan cukai. Di atas

sokongan dan sumbangan ini, kami mengucapkan ribuan

terima kasih.

En. See Cheng Siang,

Presiden,

Persatuan Kesihatan Mental Malaysia

自马来西亚精神协会成立至今已有大约50年。早前，马来

西亚精神协会已开始准备改型计划。我们目前坐落于八打

灵旧区，以两座单层排屋作为我们的复原中心。除了复原

服务与课程，我们也提供了家居式过渡期的住宿服务（只

提供给女性），方便了住在外坡及有交通问题的需要人

士。

近年，我们接获许多大众的来电咨询有关提供给精神病患

的住宿服务。讯众要求，我们计划重建现有的设施与建筑

物，以把它改造成一站式精神健康社区资源服务，以让更

多有需要的群众受惠。

秉持着让更多需要的群众受惠的信念，我们决定扩建我们

现有的建筑物后，以实惠的价格征收费用。我们的社区健

康服务已获ISO认证，相信我们能够提供更完善及更全面

的服务给精神病复原者（特别是精神分裂症患者）。由于

我们目前的资金来源主要依靠大众的热心捐助，因此，我

们希望借此发展能提供我们更稳定的资金来源，让我们的

运作更加顺畅。

不仅如此，扩大本中心和现有的设施计划也让在籍大专生

能在我们的中心取得更丰富的实习训练，为我国培养更多

更有素质的专业人士。

另外，我们借着11月在JW Marriot所举办的慈善晚宴展开

了筹募活动。来年，我们将举办更多的活动以筹募扩建会

所所需的基金（约两百万令吉），以让扩建工程能赶在

2017年底开始施工。

我们恳请社会贤达、企业机构、商家等，热心赞助此项社

区服务扩充计划，所有的捐款可豁免税务。

施自生先生

马来西亚精神健康协会

主席

UTUSAN PRESIDEN

会长讯息


The Ministry of Health released its findings on mental health status of Malaysians under the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2015 (NST 26 Sept. 2016). The survey showed that 1 in 3 adult Malaysians, aged 16 and above, have some form of mental health problems. It indicates the state of mental wellbe-ing of Malaysians adults. The survey was based on a 12-item General Health Question-naire (GHQ12), a validated instrument, used globally to assess mental health problems in different settings. GHQ covers ques-tions related to stress, depression, anxiety and general feeling of mental wellbeing (see box on the list of questions asked). What does this mean on the state of mental health among Ma-laysians? When examined against a similar survey in 1996 where the prevalence was 10.7%, it shows that mental health problems is getting worse. The reasons for the deterioration is not clear but factors may include increasing life stress, life-style changes, socio-economic reasons, family support system, amongst others.

What does the findings mean to each of us ? While having mental health problem does not mean that one has mental ill-ness, all those with mental illness have mental health problems. We need to be aware that a mental health problem may be due to an underlying mental illness. We must also know

that mental illness is not something that affects others. No one is im-mune!. Secondly, mental illness can be treat-ed. Recovery is possible. Early recog-nition and treatment is important to avert and reduce disability caused by the illness. Seek professional help and get treated ! *Reference: National Health and Morbidiy Survey, 2015. Insti-tut Kesihatan Umum, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia

Questions in GHQ 12

Able to concentrate

Loss of sleep over worry

Playing a useful part

Capable of making decisions

Felt constantly under strain

Couldn’t overcome difficul-

ties

Able to enjoy day-to-day

activities

Able to face problems

Feeling unhappy and de-

pressed

Losing confidence

Thinking of self as worthless

The survey showed that

1 in 3 adult Malaysians,

aged 16 and above, have

some form of mental

30% OF ADULT MALAYSIANS HAVE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS!

By: Datin Dr Ang Kim Teng


Often, person with mental illness goes through their ups and downs

along their recovery journey from mental health conditions, which at times could be

overwhelming. Caregivers are therefore the important pillars of support for people in re-

covery besides the effective treatment from psychiatrists and psychologists. However,

families generally have very little prior knowledge about mental illness.

With many doubts on where to seek professional help, how to manage medication, how

to communicate effectively with their loved ones, we found out that many caregivers

struggled in caring for their loved ones. Furthermore, they tend to neglect their own

health as they focus exclusively on the ones whom they support. In order to reach out to

more caregivers who are in need, this time round

MMHA conducts regular Caregiver Education courses in English and Mandarin. Four such

courses were carried out in March, June (Mandarin), August and November this year

(2016). A more intensive course on Understanding Mental Illness is held over one week-

end for non-caregivers and four such courses were carried out in the year.

Caregiver Education Program

Well-planned, very informative programme.

My heartfelt gratitude & appreciation for all the trainers’

selfless time and knowledge given to us. Thank you and god

bless! We have a wonderful time of sharing in a safe place.

Overall, MMHA has done very well to organize this course for

caregivers. Instead of free course, MMHA should encourage potential

participants to join as member or collect small fees from the general

public.

2-Day Intensive Course

on Understanding Mental Illness

January 14, 15

April 8, 9

July 15, 16

September 9, 10

Caregiver Education Program

(CEP)- 4 Days

March 11,18, 25, 26 (English)

May 7, 14, 21 (Mandarin)

August 5, 12, 19, 20 (English)

November 11, 18, 25, 26 (English)

By: Lum Khay Xian


Supporters come out in full force by Mdm. Chee Siew Lian

MMHA Charity Dinner

VIPs attending MMHA Charity Dinner

(From left) Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Haji Mohd Nasir Mohd Ashraf, Mdm Poh Kim Peng, Datin Dr. Ang Kim Teng, Pn Sri Cecelia

Lim, Prof. Dr. Zuraida Bt Zainal, Toh Puan Dato’Seri

Hajjah Dr. Aishah Ong, Mrs See Cheng Siang, Dato’Anne Eu,

Mr See Cheng Siang, Da’to’Dr. Andrew Mohanraj, Dr. Ng

Chong Guan

MMHA’s Charity Dinner on November 20 at JW Marriot Kuala Lumpur saw corporates, friends and family

members coming out in full force to support the association’s plans to re-develop its present premises

into a purpose-built psychosocial rehabilitation-cum-residential centre for people recovering from seri-

ous mental illness.

MMHA President See Cheng Siang said, “MMHA is very encouraged by the tremendous response from

our friends and well-wishers who bought tickets for the dinner or donated generously towards this build-

ing project. It is MMHA’s biggest project so far and is a major milestone in our efforts to provide better

support services to the mentally ill and their families. We want persons recovering from mental illness to

have access to more affordable and better quality care, rehabilitation services, and residential facilities.”

Various Performance entertaining the

guests.

Clockwise from left: Ms Suki Pang, Mr

Eddie Eu, Ms Sim Li Mei & Mr Sim Er

Wen and Dr. Foo I-Wei

Mdm Poh Kim Peng and Mr Chan Kee

Whay shared their story.


The project was birthed in July this year when the

Ministry of Health encouraged MMHA to set up a

model private psychiatric nursing home. MMHA has

also seen a growing demand for residential psychiat-

ric rehabilitation facilities. About 30% of the enquir-

ies MMHA received this year (Jan-Aug 2016) were

from people looking for residential facilities for their

loved ones who are recovering from mental illness.

“We are very grateful to the Yeoh Tiong Lay Group

of Companies (the owner of JW Marriot) for kick-

starting our fundraising efforts with their sponsor-

ship of the beautiful venue and food for the Charity

Dinner. So far, we have raised about RM800,000 or

more than one-third of the estimated project cost of

RM2 million. We will be organising other fundraising

activities in the near future and would like to appeal

to corporations and the public to support us to bring

hope and recovery to people suffering from mental

illness.”

Others who had contributed towards the success of

the Charity Dinner were audiovisual and lighting and

sound systems company Accucap Multimedia who

contributed their equipment and technical expertise

throughout the event; MMHA’s clients and staff

with their well-choreographed dance and song per-

formances; mother and caregiver, Madam Kim, and

her son Kee Whay, as well as mental health advo-

cate Vishalatchi Arunagiri who shared their personal

stories about living with mental illness; Sim Li Mei

with her fascinating live Chinese painting accompa-

nied by her brother, Sim Er Wen melodious music

with the erhu; and popular singers Eddie Eu and Dr

Foo I-Wei who entertained the dinner guests with

their beautiful vocal renditions.

The dinner also saw the official launch by MMHA

patron Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Hajjah Dr Aishah Ong of

the association’s first book “Living with Mental Dis-

orders: Real Life Stories of Hope and Recovery”. The

unique scenario on the book cover was repeated

onstage -- an empty white chair with a floating pink

balloon tied to it -- while the VIPs and editorial team

members

released

pink bal-

loons into

the air.

Said See,

“These sto-

ries are

from

MMHA’s short essay competition held last year in

conjunction with World Mental Health Day. The

writers have kindly agreed to let their stories be

published to encourage those living with mental ill-

ness as well as their families. This book also aims to

raise awareness on and to de-stigmatise mental ill-

ness. We believe this book will be a great help to

many.” The book is available from MMHA at RM25

per

copy.

Ms. Vishalatchi shar-

ing her story om re-

covery from mental

illness.


Natassia Chan, 23, a final year psychology student from UCSI University, underwent her internship at MMHA for the past two months. As a guide for students wishing to do their in-ternship, Mental Health Bulletin (MHB) interviewed Natassia to find out how her life has been as an MMHA intern.

MHB: Hi Natassia, tell us why you chose MMHA for in-ternship and what were your main duties.

Natassia: I heard about MMHA from my uni lecturers so I decided to apply. My duties were to care for the clients and to assist in the events, classes or group sessions that clients and caregivers under-go here. Besides that, I also handled simple guid-ed organisational tasks, which included arrang-ing and checking the sale of our clients’ handi-crafts.

MHB: Could you tell us how you benefitted from all these duties.

Natassia: As a professional who seeks to further her skills as a mental healthcare officer, I learnt about what goes into the running of an NGO. But the best part about working in MMHA was the clients. As a psychology graduate, I understand that there are stigmas attached to a person with mental disorder(s) and had always thought of myself as an unbiased, non-judgmental person. However, now that I have actually worked alongside MMHA’s clients, I realised that I need to mature further and have room for improvement.

I have learnt how truly similar clients with mental disorder(s) are with people who are deemed ‘normal’. I’ve found that some of the clients could give better advice compared with ‘normal’ people, and that is simply amazing. They should be treated with care and respect instead of being stigmatised by narrow-minded people. That is what truly drives me on to work here daily -- to be able to chip in and to help the clients in any way possible. Every ex-perience here has counted in shaping me into a better employee -- even sticking labels onto handicraft!

MHB: How about the work environment in MMHA? Did you have any problems fitting in?

Natassia: MMHA has a warm work environment where the employees have a lovely sense of camara-derie. That same warmth is extended to interns, who are readily accepted with open arms and open minds. I felt a strong sense of belonging here.

MHB: So, in conclusion, your two months here was very rewarding?

Natassia: Yes, and the answer lies in the very essence of MMHA itself. Besides providing counselling and rehabilitation services to clients and caregivers, MMHA strives to create greater awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing. The organisation is run by people who deeply care for others and sacrifice their personal resources to make the nation a better place. However, they need to rely on volunteers like me – interns who have an equal passion in helping oth-ers -- to help make their goal more achievable. That is why working at MMHA has been one of the more rewarding decisions I have made in my life.

By Natassia Chan

Life As MMHA Intern


It’s our pleasure to be invited to BAKTI Deepavali Hi Tea on 26th October 2016. We’re amazed by the stunning dance performances at the Hi Tea!

In conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2016, we went to art gallery at University Malaya. It’s eye opening to witness how persons recovering from mental illness express their emotions through art-work.

During expressive art sessions, our clients and interns were busy painting tires and fence with vibrant colors and putting their names on it!

ART SESSIONS

GASING HIKE

it’s always great to immerse ourselves in the beauty and adventure of nature in the morning breeze. It wasn’t an easy hike but some of us made it!

MMHA ACTIVITIES


ZENTANGLE

Zentangle is an extremely simplified method of drawing that allows room for creativity. By using simple and easy-to-learn drawing techniques and creating patterns out of them, one can easily cre-

ate full forms of abstract visual art. Ms. Mei Ci, the volunteer conducted zentangles sessions and facilitators are incredibly friendly and encourage

“there is no mistakes” attitude, creates very relax-ing atmosphere. We had a great experience in

learning different types of art.

SCROLL PROJECT

We collaborated with Ms. Sanchita, men-tal health advocate from UK on the scroll painting project conjunction with World

Mental Health Day 2016. Our clients made their mark in this memorable

piece of art which became part of their contribution and legacy for the master

piece, which was further perfected by Ms. Sanchita.

STONE ART

Beautiful mandala patterns painted by our clients on the stones. It was great seeing all the clients engaging in working on their stones and having

fun! Special thanks to Mdm Mala, our committee member who conducted this therapeutic activity

MMHA ACTIVITIES


MANZA Charity Bazaar

The atmosphere was very vibrant and joyful as people from various organisations come together to raise funds for their own respective causes. MMHA was invited to open a booth at the charity bazaar to display arts & crafts products on display ranging from towels, tissue holders, napkins and handbags to Christmas related homemade products such as Christmas tree decorations. We would like to ex-press our outmost gratitude towards every single visitors who have supported MMHA by buying the products on display and the donations that were given. We truly felt the spirit and joy of giving from the visitors around. We would also like to thank the MANZA committee for inviting MMHA to be part of a wonderful event that has a great cause. We look forward to joining more public events like this in the future and spreading happiness to wider au-dience.

Outdoor physical activity

is an essential component of healthy life-style. It was simply inspiring to see our

clients stepping out of their comfort zone and actively interact with each other in

the games. The game sessions ended with smile and laughter.

is an activity that engages people from all ages, sexes, races and cultures through the simple use of drum and rhythm. We are glad to see the caregivers and the peers are brought closer together through universal language of rhythms by using simple tools.

MMHA ACTIVITIES

Community Drum Circle


PERSATUAN KESIHATAN MENTAL MALAYSIA

MALAYSIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

No. 8, Jalan 4/33, off Jalan Othman, 46050 Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03-7782 5499, Fax: 03-7783 5432, E-mail: [email protected]

TO:

PRINTED MATTER

PLEASE SUPPORT US

The Malaysian Mental Health Association provides psychiatric rehabilitation service at our centre; conducts seminars and aware-

ness programmes for the public and targeted population groups, as well as programmes for support group for clients and their fam-

ilies. For these, we depend on financial support from well wishers to ensure that our programmes can reach out to, and benefit, as

many people as possible.

What can you do to help make a difference?

We need financial contribution to help us maintain our rehabilitation, advocacy and public education activities. As such, we appeal

to you to support us by donating to the Malaysian Mental Health Association to help make a difference.

PAYMENT DETAILS (Tax exemption permit No. 8278)

I wish to make a one-time contribution of the following amount: RM_________________

Enclosed herewith cheque/Money Order No: ________________________ payable to Malaysian Mental Health Association

Or Pay direct to Malaysian Mental Health Association through our CIMB account No 800-231-3886. Kindly atttach bank-

in statement with your details below for Tax Exemption Receipt from MMHA.

DONOR DETAILS

Name : Mr/Ms/Madam___________________________________________________________________________________

Address :_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Town / City: _________________________State: _____________________________ Postcode:_________________________

Tel No: ___________________________ Mobile No: __________________________ E-mail: ___________________________

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