Activity Information:
Date : 26 September 2023
Platform : Online, Facebook Live
Organizer : Pusat Kaunseling UTMKL
Role : Participant
Graduate Attributes:
- Communication Skills
- Global Citizen
Mini Report:
This program is a talk about mental health and suicide awareness. The counselling unit of UTM KL hosted this talk and the speaker is a senior psychology officer of this unit. This program aims to raise psychosocial awareness about suicide and prevention through realizing the values of our lives.
Suicide is a significant concern in Malaysia, underscoring the importance of promoting mental health awareness. Effective communication is a key tool in providing support to those facing mental health challenges. To better engage with individuals in distress, it's essential to listen actively, offer empathy, educate ourselves about mental health issues, avoid stigmatizing language, encourage professional help, maintain ongoing connections, and respect personal boundaries. By fostering open, non-judgmental discussions and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, we can collectively work to create a more compassionate society that addresses these issues, ultimately reducing the risk of suicide.
I gained two graduate attribute from this program which is communication skills and how to be a global citizen. I learned the different methods to communicate with individuals with mental health issues and was able to educate myself about mental health as well as be well-informed on how to help individuals in distress. Moreover, I realized how mental health is a global issue that we should be engaging with and advocating for.
Self Reflection:
Participating in the mental health and suicide awareness talk by UTM KL's Counseling Unit was eye-opening. This program highlighted the pressing issue of suicide in Malaysia and the significance of mental health awareness. Effective communication strategies, such as active listening and empathy, were emphasized, along with the importance of eradicating stigmatizing language and respecting personal boundaries.
This talk enriched me with two valuable graduate attributes: improved communication skills and a deeper sense of global citizenship. I learned how to better communicate with individuals facing mental health challenges and gained essential knowledge about mental health support. I also realized the global nature of mental health issues and the need for advocacy. This experience has empowered me to play a more active role in creating a compassionate and supportive society.