mental health bulletinmmha.org.my/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/mmha-bullet… · · 2015-01-15mmha...

MMHA MENTAL HEALTH BULLETIN Dec. 2014 Issue 3/ 2014 1

KDN PP/5342/02/2013 (031842) December 2014 (3/2014)

MENTAL HEALTH BULLETIN

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

Persatuan Kesihatan Mental Malaysia

Pg 4 to 5 -Walking and mental health Page 8—Living with schizophrenia,

Page 9 to 10—MINDA Health Walk

0 to 11—MMHA activities in pictures

[Buletin Kesihatan Mental ]

InsIde thIs month’s Issue

Mental illness is nothing to be

ashamed of, but stigma and bias

shame us all—Bill Clinton


This month’s issue of the MMHA bulletin focuses on the theme of

WORLD Mental Health Day, Living with Schizophrenia, and MINDA

Health Walk, in conjunction with the WORLD Mental health Day as well.

We have also included report on the activities of MMHA, including our

general public education talk.

Mental wellbeing is as important as physical wellbeing, but this is often

neglected. Many people around the world are not receiving appropriate

treatment although effective treatments are available for some of the men-

tal illnesses. Among others, this could be due to ignorance and unwilling-

ness to accept a diagnosis of being mentally ill due to the stigma attached.

This applies to both the one who is ill and family members. Early recogni-

tion and treatment are crucial for recovery, and restoration of psychosocial

functioning. We hope the articles on Schizophrenia in this issue will give

hope to caregivers and people suffering from the illness.

It was truly a memorable and enjoyable day at the recent MINDA Walk.

The Walk had been successful in reaching out to the greater population

and not just the ones affected by the illness. We hope that it had been an

eye opening experience to many. We are extremely pleased with the par-

ticipation of people from all walks of life as it allowed us to engage the

public and expose them to people with mental illness. We want to send the

message that having mental illness is not something to be ashamed of.

Indeed, Bill Clinton, the former US President exclaimed that we should be

ashamed of stigmatizing people with mental illness.

We wish to thank all our readers for your continual and relentless support

and may the coming year be a HAPPY and JOYFUL one for you.

Editor

E DI TO RI AL

Advisor

Datin Dr. Ang Kim Teng

Editor

Pn. Fazlin Badri

Assistant Editor

Chin Chi Onn

Editorial team

Dr. Eileen Nadarajah

Bawanie Rachel

Nurhijjah bt. Mat Zin

Santa Kumarie

Jo Phang

Publisher:

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

Telephone: 03 7782 5499, 03-77825499 , 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.

CONTENTS

Note From The Editor 2

President message 3-4

Walking and Mental Health 4-5

Q and A on Schizophrenia 5-7

Caregiver’s experience 7-8

Living with Schizophrenia 8

MINDA Health Walk 9-10

MMHA Activities and Awareness 10-11

Sponsorship form 12


The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day (celebrated on 10 October each year) is Living with

Schizophrenia. Having a family member with schizophrenia can be very stressful and often caregivers are at

a loss on how to deal with their loved one who is sick. There are many medicines available to control symp-

toms of the illness. However, recovery from schizophrenia requires more than medication. Very often, de-

layed treatment causes deterioration of their personal and social functioning. Hence, early treatment and

psychosocial rehabilitation are crucial to improve recovery.

MMHA runs a day psychosocial rehab programme on week-days from 9.00am to 4.00pm. For those staying

far and have problem commuting daily, D’Light Home next door provides accommodation facilities for a

small fee but this is opened to females only. Attendees are taught about their illness, control of disturbing

thoughts, medications and their side effects, personal and social skills, as well as living skills like money

management, cooking, house-keeping, shopping, moving around using public transport, and basic computer skills.

In addition, MMHA runs a Family Education Programme, a 2-day 8-module training course to help care-givers understand, cope

with and to be more effective in helping their loved one to recover from their illness. Recognising that Caregiver Education and

Support is important, MMHA is bringing a group from the Singapore Caregiver Alliance Limited (CAL) to share with us their ap-

proach in training caregivers to be trainers in the Family Education Programme, and also to support each other.

Many are still not aware of the services provided by MMHA. In the coming year, we will be more proactive in reaching out to care-

givers of newly diagnosed mental illness patients – to share with them services available in MMHA that could be of help to them

and their loved one. For this, we need to work with psychiatrists in hospitals and clinics, both in the government and private sector.

We have embarked on this and I am sure, caregivers and their loved ones with schizophrenia will receive better support and care for

their recovery.

Tema Hari Kesihatan Mental Sedunia (yang disambut pada 10 oktober setiap tahun) ialah ‘Hidup dengan Skizofrenia’. Mempunyai

ahli keluarga yang menghidap skizofrenia boleh memberi tekanan dan kebanyakkan penjaga menghadapi kebuntuan dalam mengu-

ruskan ahli keluarga yang sakit ini. Terdapat banyak rawatan ubatan untuk mengawal symptom penyakit ini. Walau bagaimana-

pun, proses pemulihan penyakit ini bukan hanya dengan ubatan semata malah lebih dari itu. Kerap kali, penangguhan rawatan

menyebabkan kemerosotan penjagaan diri dan kefungsian sosial individu. Oleh itu, rawatan ubatan yang awal dan pemulihan

psikososial amatlah penting bagi pesakit untuk pulih.

MMHA menjalankan program pemulihan psikososial pada hari Isnin hingga Jumaat, jam 9.00 pagi hingga 4.00 petang.

Bagi peserta wanita yang tinggal jauh, mereka boleh memohon untuk tinggal di D’Light Home dengan kadar yuran yang berpatu-

tan. Peserta akan diberikan kefahaman tentang penyakit mereka dan bagaimana mengawal gangguan-gangguan fikiran, rawatan

ubatan serta kesan sampingan, kemahiran sosial dan jagaan diri, begitu juga kemahiran hidup seperti pengurusan wang, memasak,

pengemasan, membeli-belah, menggunakan pengangkutan awam, dan kemahiran asas komputer.

Disamping itu, MMHA juga menganjurkan Program Pendidikan Keluarga. Program dua hari ini (8 modul) ini bertujuan

membantu para penjaga untuk memahami, mengatasi dan memberi bantuan yang berkesan kepada pesakit untuk pulih dari penya-

kitnya. Menyedari Pendidikan Penjagaan dan Sokongan adalah sangat penting, MMHA akan membawa kumpulan dari Singapore

Caregiver Alliance Limited (CAL) untuk berkongsi pendekatan mereka dalam melatih para penjaga untuk menjadi tenaga pengajar

dalam Program Pendidikan Penjaga dan juga memberi sokongan kepada para penjaga yang lain.

Ramai yang tidak menyedari perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan yang disediakan oleh MMHA. Pada masa akan datang kami

akan lebih proaktif menemui penjaga-penjaga yang mempunyai pesakit yang baru didiagnos - untuk berkongsi tentang perkhid-

matan-perkhidmatan kami yang mungkin boleh membantu mereka dan pesakit. Untuk ini, kami perlu bekerja keras dengan pakar

psikiatrik di hospital-hospital dan klinik-klinik Kerajaan dan swasta. Dengan langkah ini dan saya pasti , penjaga dan orang

kesayangan yang menghidap skizofrenia akan menerima sokongan dan jagaan yang lebih baik sepanjang proses pemulihan.

Mr. See Cheng Siang,

Presiden,

Persatuan Kesihatan Mental Malaysia


今年的世界精神健康日(每年10月10日庆祝)的主题是-让精神分裂者过上健康生活。拥有一名

患有精神分裂的家庭成员当中有精神分裂患者会对家庭带来是很多有压力的，并且会让照护者往往在

照护患者时会感觉迷茫。虽然市面上有很多可用来控制病情的药物，然而，从能让精神分裂患者症痊

愈所需要的不单只是药品物。最常见的情形有很多时候，延误治疗会导致患者的个人及社会功能恶

化。因此，提及早治疗及心理康复在协助痊愈的过程是非常重要的。

MMHA中心从星期一至星期五，早上9点到下午4点，提供日间康复计划。同时，也为居住在偏远地区

并且有交通困难的患者在中心隔壁提供可负担的短期宿舍服务，这项服务目前只开放给女性患者。参

与康复计划的患者将通过课程了解他们的病症、药物及其副作用，学习控制烦扰人的思绪以及各种个人、社交和生活技

能，例如：烹饪，处理家务料理，园艺，艺术与工艺及基本电脑技能。

此外与此同时，MMHA也同时不定期举办家连家为期2天，共8个单元的家庭教育课程，课程为期2天，一共8个

单位，旨在帮助照护者理解、配合及更有效地帮助心爱的家人从疾病及早康复。因为由于意识到照护者的教育及支持是

非常重要的，MMHA将邀请新加坡照护者联盟(CAL)来与我们分享他们的对于培训照护者为讲师并互相支持的经验。

社会上还有许多人对MMHA所提供的服务感到陌生。因此，在新的一年里，我们将更积极主动地去接触新确诊病患的照

护者，与他们分享MMHA所提供的服务，希望可以藉此为照护者与他们的家属提供协助。为此，我们需要与国立或私人

界的医院及诊疗所的精神医生共同合作。我们已经开始着手进行上述项目计划，而且我坚相信，照护者与他们患有精神

分裂症的家属将在康复的过程中得到更好的支持及照护。

马来西亚精神健康协会主席

施自生先生

Walking as an exercise is not only good for our physical health but also our mental well-being. Outdoor

walking in mountain parks and forested areas have been shown to reduce depression symptoms, reduce

stress, improves creativity, concentration and mental well-being.

Shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bathing’ is a new development in Japan and

Korea as a therapy in preventive healthcare and healing. It is a con-

cept that walking leisurely among nature brings a calming effect, is

rejuvenating and restores your mental health. It could be in the moun-

tains, jungles or parks.

With increasing health consciousness, many have taken walking as a

form of regular exercise. However, not many places in Malaysia have well developed parks or jungle tracks

that you can safely walk without getting lost. Thus, if you live near one, make full use of the facility and

take up walking and be close to nature.

Walking and Mental


I was more adventurous and embarked on a 2-week mountain trekking trip to the Himalayas recently, spe-

cifically to Everest Base Camp (EBC 5360m, 17,585ft). I must say that the experience was truly refreshing -

trekking in solitude, immersed in the vast and remote mountains and meditating on God’s wonderful crea-

tions. The sound of gushing waters from mountain streams energises you.

There were four of us, including Mohan Chitran, another MMHA commit-

tee member. All of us, senior citizens, managed to reach EBC with sheer

determination and grit. It was a grueling 13 hours trekking from early

morning till returning to the Lodge at nightfall. Although this last part was

both physically and mentally exhausting, it was rejuvenating after recov-

ery.

There is no need to go so far really. Start walking regularly somewhere

near first, then look for places that offer a ‘forest bathing’ environment.

However, bear in mind security and safety issues before you go to the jun-

gles.

Contributed by Datin Dr. Ang Kim Teng

A. Symptoms of schizophrenia usually first appear in early adulthood. Men tend to experience symptoms a

little earlier than women. Men often experience symptoms in their early 20s and women typically first show

signs of the disease in their late 20s and early 30s. It is difficult to diagnose schizophrenia in teenagers.

This is because the symptoms may look like common problems many teenagers have. A teen developing

schizophrenia may feel irritable or moody, encounter sleep problems, have changes of friends or start

getting bad grades in school.

The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three broad categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms,

and cognitive symptoms. Positive symptoms include hallucinations, such as hearing voices, paranoid

delusions, and exaggerated or distorted perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. Negative symptoms include a

decrease or a loss in the ability to express emotion, find pleasure, initiate plans or speak. Cognitive

symptoms include confused and disordered speech, trouble with logical thinking, problems with memory,

difficulty paying attention and making decisions1.

Q. What are the early signs and symptoms of schizophrenia ?

Continue to next page ~

Q and A on Schizophrenia by Dr. Ng Chong Guan

Author - far left, Mohan - next to the author


A. The negative symptoms of schizophrenia and the symptoms of depression are similar. The negative symptoms of

schizophrenia refer to things such as social withdrawal, low motivation and energy levels, difficulties or inability

to feel pleasure and lack of interest in most things. Many of these symptoms are typical of major depressive

disorder as well. The antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia may also produce side effects which

are very similar to depressive symptoms. These side effects may include limited spontaneity in the person’s speech

and movements, restlessness, and a negative mood.

However, there is a clear difference in positive symptoms. The positive symptoms of schizophrenia like delusions,

hallucination are not usually present in depression. There are also symptoms unique to depression that you do not

typically see in schizophrenia, such as feelings of guilt and worthlessness, hopelessness, excessive sleeping or

insomnia, and suicidal thoughts.

Depressive symptoms are associated with the onset of schizophrenia. Many people who go on to develop

schizophrenia experience depressive symptoms while people who experience severe depression do not develop

schizophrenia. The key differentiation between the schizophrenia and depression comes down to schizophrenia

being a disorder that affects the ability to accurately perceive reality, whereas depression is intact in reality

testing2.

Q. How do you differentiate it from depression?

From page 5 ~

A. People who have a parent or sibling with

schizophrenia have a slightly increased risk of

developing it. Scientists do not believe there is a single

gene for schizophrenia. More likely, a variety of genes

and environmental factors are responsible for the

development of the disease3. Schizophrenia occurs in

1 percent of the general population, but it occurs in 10

percent of people who have a first-degree relative with

the disorder, such as a parent, brother, or sister.

People who have second-degree relatives (aunts,

uncles, grandparents, or cousins) with the disorder

also develop schizophrenia more often than the

general population. The risk is highest for an identical

twin of a person with schizophrenia. He or she has a

40 to 65 percent chance of developing the disorder4.

Q. Is schizophrenia hereditary ?

A. The causes of schizophrenia remains unknown.

Current treatments focus on eliminating the symptoms

of the disorder. The treatments include antipsychotic

medications and psychosocial treatments. With proper

treatment, some individuals with schizophrenia can

recover. Research has found that about a quarter of

young people with schizophrenia who get treatment get

better within six months to two years. Another 35 to 40

percent see significant improvements in their symptoms

after longer-term treatment, they can live relatively

normal life outside hospitals with only minor

symptoms5.

Q. Can a person suffering from schizophrenia recover

from the illness?

Continue next page ~


A. If you want to stop taking medicine, you should always talk to your doctor first. This is in order to help you

decide if stopping is suitable for you, and how you should stop taking your medicine. The medicine is usually

stopped slowly over a number of weeks. If you stop taking medicine suddenly, you may become unwell and the

symptoms of schizophrenia may become worse. Your doctor will usually advise you to reduce the dose slowly to

see what effect the lower dose has on your symptoms6.

_____________________ 1http://www.psychiatry.org/schizophrenia

2http://fragminds.com/how-do-i-tell-the-difference-between-depression-and-schizophrenia/

3http://apa.org/helpcenter/recognizing-schizophrenia.aspx

4http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/index.shtml

5http://apa.org/topics/schiz/treatment.aspx

6http://www.patient.co.uk/health/antipsychotic-medicines

Q. Can the person stop taking medicine ?

From page 6 ~

Schizophenia – A Caregiver’s Experience

By Mala Davi

My daughter, Visha, was diagnosed with schizophrenia three years ago in August 2011. My world was shaken. She was expres-

sionless, with no eye contact. She had not been sleeping well, was pacing up and down the hall, and talking to the door in the

middle of the night. She was totally immersed in her own world and fantasy. I took her to a psychiatrist immediately.

Learning that Visha had schizophrenia was a new world for us. I knew that I had to keep myself informed and learn about the

illness - how it affects her thoughts, her emotions and her behavior; side effects of medication and what therapies are available.

This is crucial to support and help Visha recover. I realized that family support, psychotherapy and rehabilitation are important

for recovery once the medication has stabilized the symptoms.

In addition to medication and psychotherapy, Mindfulness approach is used to help Visha be in the “now state” and to avoid

thinking about the negative activities in the past. Music therapy is also being used to help her manage the auditory hallucina-

tions. ‘STOP’ signs are placed around the house to stop the negative thoughts and rumination. She does henna therapy to calm

herself down and it makes her happy. We always celebrate small achievements. For example, we took her out to Nandos, favor-

ite restaurant, when she published her book or completed her course.


The monthly public education talk, Living with Schizophre-nia, on 29th November was very well-received with close to 90 people attending. The session was very engaging and each speaker provided a different perspective n the illness. Dr. Ng Chong Guan, our Vice President from UMMC, gave a brief background on the facts of schizophrenia. An inter-esting point was that patients no longer present with clear-cut psy-chotic features like before and can appear very nor-mal, especially if they present early for treatment. This is desirable, before they become dys-functional, and recovery can be better.

Ms Vishalatchi, who is living with and recovering from schizophrenia gave an inspiring and insightful account on how she dealt with her delusions and hallucinations with the support of her parents, family, psychiatrist, and psy-chologist. She had learning disability in school, but over-come that with strong willpower to complete a certifi-cate course in fashion and media make-up at RMIT, Aus-tralia, and later in overcoming her illness. Mdm Mala Davi , Visha’s mother, shared about her own journey as a caregiver in providing active care, being pa-tient and persistent in responding to Visha’s struggle in

maintaining her grip on reality and the motivation to get better. Both Mala and Visha empha-sized on the importance of

early inter-vention. The personal nature of the sharing definitely left an im-pact on the audience as several individuals were also encouraged to share about their own experience and sought to get Ms Visha’s views on her successful recov-ery journey and on leading a fulfilling life. Visha shared her story in a book “In My Shoe” which is available at RM 35.00 a copy. Please contact Mdm Mala at 017-3503257 or email her at [email protected] to purchase the book.

The experience of having my child developing this illness and watching her battling through it changed my perspective. I used to

advocate for child-centered education but now I advocate for Visha-centered education. It is not an easy task to get to where we are

today, but it is worth all the effort. I am so happy to see her recovering beautifully.

My advice to all caregivers - seek help early, learn as much as you can on the illness and treatment/therapy options, be involved in

the recovery process. Be patient, stay strong and do not lose hope.

Living with Schizophrenia

Check out on the WFMH

Regional Congress to be held in

Singapore from 1-3 October

2015.

Co-hosted by Raffles College of

Higher Education and Silver Ribbon Singapore, the congress is

inspired by the theme “Innovations in mental health care

through holistic interventions in the Asia-Pacific.

The three day congress aims to provide attendees with oppor-

tunity to learn ground-breaking mental health care practices

and holistic interventions from various experts in the mental

health and allied professions.

Find out more from : http://www.wfmhsingapore2015.com

http://www.wfmhsingapore2015.com


MINDA Health Walk held in conjunction with

World Mental Health Day at Bandar Botanic Klang on

12 October 2014 was a great success with about 2,500

participants. The event was a joint effort with the Psy-

chiatric Department of Hospital TAR Klang, Klang

Family Support Group for people with mental illness

and the Bandar Botanic Resident Association.

The event, aimed at increasing public awareness on men-

tal health issues and to destigmatize mental illnesses, was

flagged off by the Selangor State Health Director, Dr. S.

Balachandran, representing the Hon. Minister of Health.

The 4km lakeside walk event also featured stage perfor-

mances by participating creative teams; instrumental

presentation by Dr. Sharon Chong from the Malaysian

Society for Music in Medicine (MSMM); keyboard

presentation by Stephanie Tam, a special child; a song

presented by Tan Wei Lin, from her album I-Live, as well

as dance performance from the Jazzercise Dance School

in Kota Kemuning. Creative Team champion : KK Pandamaran

Highlight of the event was the lucky draw with a 60” flat screen TV as the grand prize, donated Mr. See Cheng Siang,

President of MMHA. Other activities include health screening, exhibitions and booth sales.

We wish to thank our partners, all participants, individuals and companies that had contributed generously in cash and

kind, to make this event a great success.

Dr Sharon, playing he flute Wei Lin, rendering her song Stephanie, on the keyboard

MINDA Health Walk 2014


Dance performance by the Jazzercise Dance School Health Screening for participants

From Page 9—MINDA Health Walk 2014

MMHA Activities & Public Awareness Talk

The Mandarin Family Education Programme held

on the 3 & 4 Sept. 2014..

Another Family Link Programme (English) was held

on the 15th and 16th November 2014.

A visit to the Persatuan Pemulihan Orang-Orang Cacat

Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan (PPOC) on 2nd Octo-

ber 2014. The staff in the picture are Madam Santa and

Madam Hedy together with Mr Zulhisham of PPOC.


Mr See and Datin Dr Ang receiving donation by the

Interact Club of Kolej Tunku Jaafar on the

17 November 2014.

A day trip to Melaka on the 19th November 2014, comprising of

clients, caregivers and staff , sponsored by our President, Mr. See

Cheng Siang

Year-end Party on 18th Dec. to usher in the New Year and

also Christmas celebration. It was attended by clients and their

caregivers, volunteers, staff and committee members.

Song Item by clients of MMHA Day Rehab Puppet show by ventriloquist, Joyce Ung

Song by Dr. Foo I-Wei and James Yeow from the Msian

Society for Music in Medicine.

Datin Dr Ang gave a talk on Stress and Mental Wellbe-

ing on 10th Dec. at the Petrofac-RNZ Appreciation

Evening at the Great Eastern Mall.


PERSATUAN KESIHATAN MENTAL MALAYSIA

MALAYSIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

8, Jalan 4/33, off Jalan Othman, 46050 Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03-77825499 Fax: 03-77835432 e-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.mmha.org.my

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: ____________________________________

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

DONOR DETAILS PLEASE USE CAPITAL LETTERS

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