Mental health awareness campaign by final-year Corporate Communication students

From left: Prof Dato’ Ewe, Lucas Lim and Dr David Tneh officiating the campaign

Photo by Gan Boon Meng & Wong Liew Chyn

Tainted Thoughts, a sustainability campaign focusing on matters related to mental health, was organised by the final-year students of UTAR Bachelor of Corporate Communication (Honours) from 30 October 2023 to 7 December 2023 at Sungai Long Campus.

The Corporate Communication students embarked on this meaningful campaign to raise awareness of the importance of mental health among UTAR students as well as to educate and enlighten them on the different ways to cope with mental health issues in challenging times. This final year project (FYP) event was carried out in three phases; Phase 1 took place under the Event Planning and Management course; Phase 2 was the continuation of Phase 1 which took place in the subsequent trimester, and Phase 3 was the execution phase, the climax, where the students’ efforts were brilliantly displayed. The team was supervised by FCI academics Ms Cheah Shu Xu and Mr Kenneth Lee Tze Wui.

Present at the opening ceremony of the campaign were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, Physician in Trimedic Healthcare Centre Mr Chan Kin Joe, Physician in Trimedic Healthcare Centre Mr Go Pei Heng, FCI Mass Communication Department Head and Project Supervisor Mr Kenneth Lee Tze Wui, Tainted Thoughts Project Manager Lucas Lim Ye-Kai, UTAR staff and students.

Prof Dato’ Ewe explaining the importance of raising mental health awareness

Photo by Gan Boon Meng & Wong Liew Chyn

In his speech, Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “In a world that’s constantly evolving, it is imperative that we acknowledge mental health with the same gravity we attribute to physical health. Today’s event emerges as an inspiration to cast light on a subject often veiled in stigma. This campaign seeks to break these barriers, opening up conversations and normalising discussions around mental health.”

He added, “I hope that through this event, we can raise the awareness among UTAR students about the critical importance of mental health. This awareness is not only about recognising the struggles but also understanding that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I also hope this event will educate UTAR students on coping mechanisms, empowering them with knowledge and resources to navigate mental health challenges.”

Dr David Tneh thanking the committee for taking the initiative to promote mental health as part of their FYP event

Photo by Gan Boon Meng & Wong Liew Chyn

FCI Dean Dr David Tneh shared a quote and advised, “Loneliness is another concern associated with mental health. Social isolation has health risks, hence why we see the connection between loneliness and mental health. I believe now, more than ever, that you cannot have good, stable mental health in isolation. Relationships with other people form the centrel point for mental and emotional health. Your mind, soul and spirit need people to be around you. Just reaching out to one person would make a lot of difference. So, reach out to people who need help. Talk to people who might potentially suffer from mental health issues like anxiety.”

He ended his speech, saying, “I would like to thank the organising committee and everyone here today for your tireless efforts in running this campaign titled Tainted Thoughts. I wish all participants and members of the public a productive and fun-filled day.”

Project Manager Lucas Lim sharing his thoughts about mental health

Photo by Gan Boon Meng & Wong Liew Chyn

“In a world filled with false stereotypes, mental health often catches its crossfire. Despite various online communities and local movements working towards spreading mental health awareness and acceptance, we seldom discuss it openly among friends unless prompted by a special occasion. This is precisely what our team aims to change through this campaign,” Project Manager Lucas Lim said and added, “With this mental health awareness campaign, we aim to leave a lasting impression and elevate mental health as a topic. Let this humble campaign be your first step on a journey towards fostering better mental well-being.”

The opening ceremony also witnessed brilliant performances from the members of the UTAR Chinese Orchestra Unit and the UTAR Sungai Long Music Club.

The campaign also featured a forum titled Fostering Better Mental Health: The Way Forward, a Japanese Pastel Nagomi Art workshop and a Traditional Chinese Medicine booth for participants to learn, explore and enjoy. An infographic exhibition was also organised for the participants to learn and gain an in-depth understanding of mental health. Furthermore, participants who attended the campaign were given the chance to participate in lucky draw sessions.

The Chinese Orchestra Unit of UTAR Sungai Long Campus serenading the audience with soothing music

Photo by Gan Boon Meng & Wong Liew Chyn

Beautiful performances by UTAR Sungai Long Music Club members

Photo by Gan Boon Meng & Wong Liew Chyn

Invited to speak at the forum were Dr Tan Huey Jing, a visiting consultant psychiatrist at Sungai Long Specialist Hospital; Dr Siti Syahirah Jahabardeen, a coach and trainer at Awaken Academy, and Ms Goh Shu Hui, a counsellor at UTAR Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing. The forum was moderated by FCI academic Dr Thanaseelen K.P. Rajasakran.

At the forum, the speakers addressed students’ lack of knowledge and understanding about mental health and how to manage it.

Defining mental health, Dr Tan explained, “According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health refers to a person’s wellbeing; whether the person is able to realise their own abilities; whether they are able to cope with stress effectively; whether they are able to work productively and contribute to the community.”

From left: Forum moderator Dr R. Thanaseelan with panellists, namely Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing Counsellor Ms Goh Shu Hui, Doctor, Mental Health Speaker, Coach and Trainer at Awaken Academy Dr Siti Syahirah Jahabardeen, and Visiting Consultant Psychiatrist at Sungai Long Specialist Hospital Dr Tan Huey Jing

Photo by Gan Boon Meng & Wong Liew Chyn

Dr Tan emphasised that mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness. According to her, if a person does not have clinical depression but finds it difficult to cope with stress; difficult to achieve or perform; has no self-esteem or is unable to be productive, they are considered as one who is lacking good mental health despite not having mental illness. “It is important to understand that mental health does not merely refer to the absence of mental illness. Mental illness refers to things that affect our thoughts, emotions, behaviours, social interaction and functions. Some examples of mental disorders are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, et cetera,” explained Dr Tan.

Agreeing with Dr Tan, Dr Siti added, “Addressing one’s mental health does not mean they have mental illness. You need to be diagnosed by a mental health expert to be considered mentally ill. This is usually misinterpreted in a lot of places by a lot of people, particularly the students. Understanding mental health is very simple; it refers to one’s mood, behaviour and psychology. It is only comprised of these three aspects. The moment you understand the basics of mental health, especially if you’re dealing with mental health issues, it will be easier for you to open up and speak about the issues.”

“Mental health is how one views themselves and others, and how they overcome obstacles in life,” said Ms Goh. Sharing her experience, she said, “Based on my experience here at UTAR, not many students have stepped forward to seek counselling service, fearing that they might be misunderstood as a person who is mentally ill. Sadly, many are not even aware that we have a counselling centre, dedicated to looking after their mental health and wellbeing. Currently, I’m trying to reach out to more youngsters and make them aware of this centre and the services we provide. We are holding various talks and workshops about mental health. We are also creating interesting short reels and putting up posters to attract more students.”

The audience at the event

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3— ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, the campaign aimed to raise awareness of the importance of mental health among UTAR students and educate them on the different ways to cope with mental health struggles.

The campaign was sponsored by Trimedic Healthcare Centre and GoodMorning Global.