RACTLC x TGU x TSC - Inclusion in Mental Health: A Conversation (Projek Sapot) | BY EVELYN CHEN SIAW YIN
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| Official event poster. Source: @taylorsspeakerscorner on Instagram. |
When we talk about mental health, we usually talk about how one can be proactive in terms of managing their own mental health and the resources we can access in order to ensure that our mental health is not compromised. But how inclusive are the mental health services in our country, and are we able to provide equal opportunities without discrimination to our citizens? In this week’s Taylor’s Speakers Corner, the panelists shared their insights regarding what provisions are currently available in Malaysia in terms of mental health services.
To begin, the panelists were asked what mental health meant to them. “I am not always going to be happy, and I am not always going to feel whole or feel 100% amazing all the time and that’s okay,” said Ken Khoo as he shared about how mental health was something that is ever-changing.
Another panelist, Ash, said that by 2020, 4.2 million Malaysians will face some form of mental health issue throughout their life, according to a 2015 research. Second only to heart diseases, mental health issues are very much prevalent within our society, though it is not a topic often discussed. Whilst there may be hotlines and online mental health services available for citizens during this pandemic, these resources may not be accessible to certain portions of communities without electronic gadgets.
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| Source: Healthworld.com |
The panelists continued to dive into the importance of a connection between a client and their therapist. Vincent brought up the fact that for therapists providing mental health support to the LGBTQIA+ community, there is a great need for them to have a deeper understanding of their clients’ identity as such context is important in providing better support for them. Some therapists may not be able to provide the support needed due to their personal stance. Panelist Nila piped in to encourage everyone with her words, “I hope you don’t give up. The journey is worth it and someday, you will find the right therapist for you,” as she voiced her experiences with bad therapists.
To provide a dual aspect to the issue, panelist Pang brought up the fact that there are moments when clients may be reluctant to place their trust in therapists as they feel that the therapists are unable to understand their struggles of being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Hence, there is the need for both the client and the therapist to have a deeper understanding and find a connection. Panelist Ken also expressed that oftentimes we would need to trust our own instincts and gut feelings in terms of finding the right therapists.
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| Source: Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program |
The topic then steered towards conversion therapy, in which various panelists, including Vincent and Pang, agreed that these therapies were conditioning people to become heterosexual, not necessarily altering their romantic interests. One major issue in conversion therapy is that it could lead to the development of depression and self-loathing in the event that it does not work out for certain individuals, especially with the propaganda of success stories. Pang mentioned that conversion therapy is actually illegal in the United Kingdom as it is believed to do more harm than good, to which other panelists agreed.
On the question of how heterosexual people could contribute to providing mental health support to LGBTQIA+ members, the panelists agreed that there is really no set way of going about how to provide that safe space for them. Rather, as long as one has the right intent, the other party will be able to feel the sentiment at some point. Being there to accept and provide a safe space for others to talk about their concerns and worries is more than enough. As Pang mentioned, “We don’t need to wait for the big guns.” What we can do as a group or a small community could be enough to create a ripple effect.
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| Source: Stephendale.com |
Especially with the ongoing pandemic, online communities and forums are the current go-tos for people to seek mental support. Nila believes that through social media, members can access platforms such as hers that create a supportive environment for people to share their stories.
Whilst the Internet may discourage self-diagnosis for mental health issues, Ken points out that it is not necessarily a bad thing as it shows that people are connecting with their own selves. They are becoming more in tune with their emotions. This helps promote better mental health awareness as long as they know when to receive professional help when required.
After the roundtable discussion, the panelists suggested some ways to increase mental health inclusivity:
- Build affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ members
- Have LGBTQIA+ friendly workspaces
- Support decriminalization of LGBTQIA+ laws
- Circulate scientific findings on LGBTQIA+
- Spread love and support as an ally!
Finally, the session wrapped up with each of the panelists giving their final thoughts. As remarked by Nila, “No matter who you are, you deserve to be happy.” Once again, a huge shoutout to all the panelists, and may we all stay proactive in maintaining our mental health!
For more information:
1. Mental Health Statistical References
2. About BlueBird / LGBTQ-affirming therapy
- BlueBird sign-up sheet: bit.ly/bluebirdproject
- Questions, ideas, feedback: bluebird@pluho.org
- Register as BlueBird/ PLUHO volunteer: bit.ly/pluhovolunteer (*If BlueBird-specific, please mention "BlueBird" in your submission) For mental health professionals interested to be included in BlueBird project's directory: https://www.queerlapis.com/lgbtq-affirming-mental-health-survey/
- Context, information, and resources for LGBTQ-affirming therapy in Malaysia: https://www.queerlapis.com/where-to-find-lgbtq-affirming-therapy-in-malaysia/
3. Resources & training
- Free and accessible resources about common mental health issues, including worksheets and guides on how to take better care of ourselves and others:
- Sign up for Psychological First Aid (PFA) training, or learn about it online. PFA isn't therapy, it's a set of techniques anyone can practise for helping people experiencing a crisis. It focuses on helping them feel safe, connected to others, calm and hopeful, and be able to access physical, emotional and social support.
4. For emergencies:
- Hotlines:
- Befrienders: 03-7627 2929
- Women's Aid Organisation: 03-3000 8858 (call) / 018 988 8058 (SMS, WhatsApp)
- If you are dealing with thoughts or feelings of harming yourself or others, we would advise that you go to the emergency (A&E) department of a general hospital, ask to see a psychiatrist and tell them your situation. The psychiatrist will assess your situations and needs, and assist you accordingly. Hospital emergency staff are generally equipped to deal with this.
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