Evolution

Stigma continues to overshadow conversations on mental health in Malaysia, often framing mental health disturbances as tests of resilience. Meanwhile, those who seek help – whether professional or not – continue to be viewed as weak individuals that could bring shame upon their family. Such an “obligation” to quietly endure one’s life challenges is deep-rooted in Malaysia’s cultural norm, with some individuals potentially taking pride in it.

This has left little room for open conversations about mental wellbeing in the country, though recent years show that there is a powerful cultural shift. What has driven this transformation and what challenges lie ahead?

Cultural Context

We must first acknowledge the historical context to understand this shift. In Malaysia, where there is a strong emphasis on cultural and religious norms, mental health is long considered of lesser priority to physical health.

Family members are discouraged from openly discussing their personal struggles due to the prevalence of norms such as saving face and honouring family reputation. Such norms remain deep-rooted in the Malaysian community and thus one’s admission to mental health struggles is akin to tarnishing their family’s image in front of the wider community.

The norm of saving face is so ingrained in the society that major cultural proverbs or practices are associated with it.

For example, the famous prophetic hadith sabar itu separuh daripada iman (patience is half of faith) captures the Malay cultural emphasis on patience and endurance as a sign of religious strength and piety.

Meanwhile, the Chinese concept of xiao shun or filial piety reflects the importance of familial reputation and the expectation to prioritise family’s honour over personal struggles. The famous animated Disney movie Mulan captured this well, as the main character struggles to bring honour to her family by challenging the society’s standards of what is considered honourable.

On the other hand, among the Indian communities in Malaysia, there is a tendency to approach mental health challenges through a spiritual lens, whereby personal struggles are often associated to karma, divine punishment or unbalanced spiritual practice. Consequently, such an approach encourages a dependence on religious solutions to address the problem, instead of seeking advice from professionals.

There is a silver lining across all three: these sayings and perspectives may discourage those with mental health challenges from openly discussing them. This is a problem prevalent not only in Malaysia but also in other parts of Asia, where mental health disturbance is more often than not attributed to weakness in character rather than a legitimate health concern. Moreover, the lack of familiarity with the mental health concept among older generations often leads to chronic underreporting and lack of treatment.

Fortunately, there are signs that this trend is shifting. Institutions and organisations such as Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association (MIASA), the National Association of Christian Counsellors Malaysia (NACC Malaysia) and the Kuala Lumpur Buddhist Mental Health Association have started integrating spiritual therapy and counselling into their mental health services.

Such progress received a boost during the pandemic when there was a hike in the number of people suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. On the flipside, this was perhaps a blessing in disguise: During this period, the government increased funding for mental health needs, having recognised this growing problem as a public priority.

These steps emit a positive signal of the changing conversation surrounding mental health in Malaysia – that it is acceptable to seek help and that silence should not be the norm.

Despite this, Malaysia’s vibrant social media continues to pose risks as well as afford opportunities to the country’s mental health landscape.

The Two Sides of Social Media

Social media does pose risks to one’s mental health, with problems such as online bullying, data breaches and exposure to negative content. Within Malaysia’s younger communities, what should we be looking out for?

The comparison trap is the first instance. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok could instigate one to engage in constant self-comparison due to the promotion of idealised portrayals of life by other users and influencers. For example, trends like the “that girl” aesthetic on TikTok showcase luxury lifestyles with unrealistic living standards that do not sit well with the lived reality of the B40 and middle-class communities in Malaysia. Contents promoted by the algorithm also often leave viewers feeling inadequate and adds the continuous stress of meeting an unattainable lifestyle.

In general, over 60% of youth reported their lives were lacking compared to others, creating a strong urge to stay connected online and avoid experiencing the fear of missing out (FOMO). Malaysian youths are also susceptible to this, with the community already being pressured to excel academically and professionally.

Doomscrolling is another issue. It is an endless consumption of content on social media, which could leave a user losing hours of life in a day. Doomscrolling could intensify feelings of fear and insecurity, especially if a user falls into the comparison trap discussed above.

The effect could be worse if the content is negative and distressing in nature, such as political brouhaha or visuals of Israel’s carnage in Gaza. In Malaysia’s context, prolonged exposure to sensationalised news like Malaysia’s political instability and economic challenges only increases anxiety, depression, and a sense of helplessness.

Mental health challenges, unfortunately, have also prompted individuals to seek information online and engage in self-diagnosis. This could be a problem, especially since there is so much false information spreading online whereas mental health diagnosis requires a professional touch. Wrongful self-diagnosis could also lead to misguided treatments that further complicate the problem. It has to be acknowledged that the tendency to self-diagnose could be born out of fear of being stigmatised by the society, as discussed above.

These, however, should not erase its positive contributions.

Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have provided Malaysians (especially younger ones) with a safe space to find support during challenging times. This has also ushered in the burgeoning of mental health influencers as well as online advocates such as Dr Joel Low, Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan, Che Puan Sarimah Ibrahim and Dr Amer Siddiq in the last few years. All of them have encouraged conversations around this topic that was once considered taboo.

The growing acceptance of mental health discourse in social media has made it easier for Malaysians to acknowledge that they are not alone in their struggles. There are positive examples of how this has manifested lately.

The #KitaJagaKita campaign during the pandemic shows the power of social media to transform community-based pandemic relief initiative into a nationwide movement centred around mutual care and wellbeing. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health’s TikTok campaign offered information regarding suicide prevention resources to stave off the alarming increase of  the suicide rate during the pandemic. The Ministry also hosted live sessions featuring mental health professionals to help the audience address the pressure on their mental health as they navigated the lockdown.

All in all, these activities and campaigns have contributed to the destigmatisation of mental health but also enabled access to mental health resources such as the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) and Befrienders.

We should thus acknowledge that social media can be a double-edged sword in relation to mental health. Responsible use of social media is thus a solution for Malaysians to be able to navigate the risks while benefitting from its boon. When used mindfully, social media can serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness and connecting Malaysians with support networks and coping resources.

Way Forward

This article aims to portray a fraction of the mental health landscape in Malaysia. While cultural barriers remain, there are trends challenging these that help destigmatise mental health conversations in the country. Though social media poses risks, it has proven instrumental in enabling open conversations, connecting users to online resources and shifting attitudes towards this “taboo” subject. Any mental health-related campaign in Malaysia could benefit immensely from the opportunities that it affords.  

Moving forward, a focus on increasing digital literacy is critical to building a healthier and more inclusive mental health culture. These efforts ensure that mental health becomes as equally prioritised as physical health, fostering a community where openness and compassion define resilience. While the journey toward mental health acceptance is ongoing, each step forward brings us closer to a culture that embraces vulnerability and openness as signs of strength.

Introduction

Despite Malaysia’s push for multiculturalism, as demonstrated by its 1999 adoption of the slogan “Malaysia Truly Asia”, members of religious minorities are struggling to reconcile this idealised narrative with their lived experience.

According to the 2020 International Religious Report, while Islam is the state religion, all religions are welcomed to worship peacefully. Malaysia is a multi-religious nation with a population made up from 60% Muslim, 20% Buddhist, 9% Christian, 6% Hindu and 1% other.

While unity is a paramount concept in Malaysia’s nation, obstacles for religious minorities abound, particularly when their faiths conflict with state-sanctioned beliefs. This may have led to the manifestation of psychological burden that impacts the wellbeing of these communities.

On a larger scale, a more traditional perspective on religion may also result in the inability to acknowledge the existence of mental illness or disturbances, leading to the preservation of stigmatisation of anything linked to the concept of mental health in Malaysia.

This piece explores the complex intersection of religious intolerance and mental health in Malaysia, highlighting the psychological impact on religious minorities and the stigma surrounding mental illness. It calls for a mindset shift and interfaith dialogues to foster a more inclusive, compassionate society.

The Psychological Impact of Religious Intolerance

The deprivation or restriction on religious freedom has a deep impact on the mental health of individuals, as it is associated with a great sense of identity and belongingness in society. The resulting moderate suffering may usually manifest in mild symptoms, but extreme suffering could lead to a lot of anxiety, melancholy, existential crises and lower self-esteem. Concealed beliefs could also lead to trauma.

State protection of religious liberty could avert these as it minimises the risk of sectarian strife and mistreatment of minority groups within communities. While Malaysia’s legislative frameworks do signal a commitment to religious pluralism on paper, institutional biases act as significant obstacles towards achieving these goals in practice.

As an outcome, religious minorities in Malaysia are frequently left out of the national narratives and have difficulties in attaining acceptance and recognition.

Traditional examples include the controversy surrounding the use of the word “Allah” and the issue of conversion, which has become an unfathomably complex process leading to drawn-out court battles and mandatory counselling. The latter has also prompted some who consider converting to seek religious freedom in a different vein.

Religious Liberty and Societal Marginalisation

Stigma is a major barrier to seeking treatment for mental health disorders in Malaysia. The term stigma comes from the notion that certain scenarios or afflictions cause someone to fall outside of what is considered the society’s norm.

Though Malaysia is home to many world-class mental health facilities, many individuals are too afraid to go for help because they fear being shunned by family, friends and the community. These fears cause self-stigma and social isolation that deter people from asking for help. To illustrate, 80% of Malaysians had refrained from seeking help previously due to fear of judgement or stigma.

Certain interpretations of religious tenets could result in stigmatisation as well. For example, some religious communities continue to ascribe mental health issues to demonic possession or divine retribution. At other times, mental health problems could also be perceived by the same communities as shameful and as evidence of moral failure, thus perpetuating the stigma of mental illness.

This perception that considers mental illness a weakness of faith and the spirit – not a medical condition that needs intervention – introduces sense of guilt and culpability in the hearts of those who suffer from mental illness. Many who live with mental illness claim that they conceal their condition to protect their families’ honour, their own dignity and communal acceptance.

Religious hegemony could also force individuals with beliefs and belief systems outside the determined parameters to conceal them. In Malaysia, where Islam is the state-sanctioned religion, mental health issues are often buried and hidden to protect the family honour and ensure that social acceptance is maintained. This is a hurdle for both Muslims and other religious communities to achieve the aforementioned national unity.

To be fair, this problem does not only manifest among Malaysia’s Muslim community. Within the Hindu community, those who are actively preaching religious beliefs are more prone to stigmatisation, because they are judged more harshly than others. This is because the “public practice” of religiosity (e.g., social participation in religious practices, events or rites) may act as both a buffer/protector and a potential marker of stigma (e.g. social status or prejudice).

Moreover, while mindfulness is prioritised in Buddhism, the need to conform to religious conventions may also increase stigma. A sense of belongingness to a compassionate and supportive religious community can foster empowerment and emotional resilience within an individual. However, the pressure of not meeting community expectations can intensify the stigma around mental health issues. Those struggling may feel compelled to hide the reality of their challenge out of fear of criticism or rejection from their faith community.

Such patterns of mental health stigma exist across a variety of religious communities. There is, therefore, the need for leaders of faith to be compassionate in order to make people feel safe to seek help.

The Need for Change

As a potential remedy, there ought to be limits on the use of religiosity in labelling and stereotyping that could lead to prejudice and other forms of mental health stigma. Over time, the conceptualisation of religious beliefs within mental health stigma creates a barrier that hampers the efforts to reduce the latter.

The role of religiosity is twofold—it can either serve as an aggravating factor or be a source of healing, depending on how communities define and approach religious teachings.

Studies show that religiosity might have a negative relationship with mental health stigma. Other research suggests that for those who practice their beliefs in accordance with their faith’s ideals, religiosity can serve as a protective factor, improving global mental health and wellness.

Such a shift helps prioritise compassion over punishment in helping to reduce stigma and foster a more empathetic perspective towards those experiencing psychological distress. It is also reflective of the growing awareness within the nation towards mental health issues as a societal issue rather than individualised struggles.

Religious leaders also have important roles in determining how their faith communities understand mental health. Through their platform, they could either encourage acceptance or endorse stigma. Those that espouse the virtues of compassion, empathy and support for people with mental illness can definitely help reduce stigma and elevate acceptance.

Interfaith Dialogue as a Tool

One of the most important factors in building a mentally healthy and resilient nation is the advancement towards covenantal pluralism. This emphasises the fostering of an inclusive society rooted in interfaith understanding. It could only be achieved through the cultivation of religious tolerance and gaining knowledge of other faiths to prevent misconceptions stemmed from ignorance.

Historical and current examples from countries such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia and India – as well as the long-standing conflict between Palestine and Israel – show how unchecked religious intolerance and deep-seated prejudice ultimately lead to violence and systemic oppression.

These incidents highlight the urgent need to address religious intolerance before it incites conflict and violence within the society. To bridge the divide created by religious divisions, interfaith initiatives and education programmes are vital.

In certain regions, Rukun Tetangga (Neighbourhood Watch) programme has been introduced to promote interfaith alliances by creating a sense of togetherness and empathy amongst neighbours of varying religions and ethnicities. While it shows some promise as a grassroots tool for reducing divisions, its effectiveness remains inconsistent as it relies heavily on local leadership and community willingness to engage.

Civil society initiatives to promote interfaith discussions have been led by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), which has been instrumental in promoting interfaith dialogue and religious harmony. It aims to grow mutual understanding and tolerance among different religious communities. These efforts respect the rights of all individuals while encouraging greater inclusivity and acceptance.

By reducing conflicts and promoting a sense of shared empathy, MCCBCHST’s initiatives contribute to broader societal shifts toward more supportive attitudes. These dialogues lay the foundation for future advocacy, helping to create an environment that could lead to greater support with compassion and an inclusive approach.

Conclusion

Mental health in Malaysia is often viewed through the lens of religious norms, continuing to shape the experiences of those struggling with mental health issues and religious minorities. As the nation continues to progress and awareness of mental health grows, greater attention must be given to fostering unity within the communities. This moment calls not only for acknowledgment of these challenges but also for active efforts to address them. The legal decriminalisation of suicide attempts marks a significant step forward in reducing stigma. However, it must come hand in hand with the promotion of inclusivity and understanding across religious communities. Interfaith dialogue will be pivotal in fostering a society where mental health is treated with respect and compassion.

Introduction

Have you ever considered how grassroots sports can transform communities and help individuals?

These sports are more than just games. They are a powerful force for community development and growth.

This article is based on an independent survey by the author, a sports activist and organiser with over 10 years of experience. The online survey was conducted between 1 and 15 November 2024 to gather insights on the profound benefits of grassroots sports for community wellbeing.

The survey received answers from 25 respondents from both inside and outside Klang Valley, a majority of whom are male. Responses collected reflect the experiences and feedback of respondents from various backgrounds and age groups, shedding light on the transformative power of these programmes.

The data also uncovers how grassroots sports foster community connections, alleviate stress and inspire personal growth. As communities become more fragmented in this digital age, grassroots sports become an essential avenue to maintain social cohesion as well as personal wellbeing.

Fostering Community Bond

A central theme emerging from the survey was the profound sense of connection participants experienced after joining grassroots sports programmes.

Over 75% of respondents reported making new friends and strengthening existing bonds through these activities. One respondent stated that “Not being alone… [makes you feel] like you belong to something.”

Such sentiment underscores the power of shared activities and teamwork that break down barriers related to age, background and gender. Interactions during grassroots sports could facilitate lasting relationships based on mutual respect and common interests.

Meeting regularly through these programmes helps people connect and find purpose within their community. One respondent shared how these activities provide a safe space where they can also have fun and be part of something that matters.

Celebrating victories and struggling together could also become a catalyst for participants to connect with each other. Evidently there are emotional and social benefits from these activities.

These connections extend beyond the dimension of sports. Many respondents shared that they continue participating in other community events or exploring new activities due to relationships built through this network.

It shows how these programmes are not just about sports; they create fluid and interconnected communities where people are more likely to engage in other aspects of civic life. This theme will be explored further below.

Mental Health Benefits

While the physical benefits of sports are widely acknowledged, respondents also reported profound improvements to their mental health.

Over 60% of respondents noted a significant reduction in stress levels, with many attributing this to the supportive and positive environment of grassroots sports. One respondent shared that participation in these sports could improve endurance, inner health and mental health.

This means that grassroots sports could provide a therapeutic escape from the stresses of daily life, offering individuals a healthy outlet to release their pent-up emotions and frustrations.

Furthermore, many respondents reported feeling better overall and more emotionally resilient. Being in a supportive group helps them focus on the positives and develop strategies to cope with everyday challenges. Several respondents mentioned that regular physical activity helps them regulate their emotions better, providing a valuable tool to manage daily stress.

Adding to this is the contribution by a respondent who stated that personal growth occurs when they are placed in a new setting that offers an opportunity to develop physically, psychologically and emotionally.

These mental health benefits illustrate the holistic impact of grassroots sports. While participants exert themselves in these sports programmes, in return they receive a boost to their physical fitness and mental health, causing them to feel more energised, optimistic and emotionally grounded.

For those recovering from significant life events, the programmes’ predictable structure and routine may offer healing in both physical and psychological realms. One respondent shared that the grassroots sports community has greatly facilitated their escape from a bad life situation and helped them achieve wellness.

The survey also reveals how grassroots sports contribute to personal development. Respondents reported increased resilience, self-esteem and sense of accomplishment after achieving milestones like mastering a new skill or improving fitness.

Others highlighted the joy of participating in activities that gather people from across different stages of life, emphasising the importance of intergenerational activities. This is because social engagements with others from various backgrounds and generations could strengthen social cohesion and enrich personal growth.

The opportunity to be part of a supportive community could boost confidence, particularly for those who might otherwise lack a social and physical outlet. As one respondent stated, the benefits of playing in grassroots sports include a sense of belongingness and social connection. This bond is beneficial for individuals who may be isolated, such as seniors or young adults.

Grassroots sports are powerful in their ability to help individuals gain mental and physical strengths. The sense of accomplishment gained from improved performance offers lasting personal rewards. For participants, overcoming challenges and achieving personal goals within a team context could boost their confidence and resilience. These are instrumental in one’s personal growth and encourage a mindset of perseverance.

A Catalyst for Broader Engagement

Grassroots sports could also facilitate broader community involvement. After joining these programmes, approximately 65% of survey respondents reported increased interest in other community activities.

One respondent stated that they felt something was amiss in Malaysia upon their return from abroad. They discovered what it was – the joy and fun experienced when meeting new people during these grassroots sports. This underscores the potential of grassroots sports to create a culture of participation and shared responsibility within communities.

Moreover, respondents have reported developing key skills such as teamwork, accountability and leadership through their involvement in grassroots sports. These qualities enhance personal growth and encourage active participation in broader community activities, from volunteering to organising local initiatives.

At padangbolasepak.com, this growth is evident in how participants have taken the initiative to contribute to the programme. Over the years, many have expressed interest in stepping into leadership roles, helping to sustain and expand the programme’s impact. Since 2021, 10 participants have transitioned into coordinators within the community, demonstrating how grassroots sports can inspire individuals to lead and give back.

The skills cultivated through sports – including leadership, communication and problem-solving – empower individuals to shape their communities actively. This, in turn, fosters a strong sense of collective responsibility and helps create a more connected and resilient community.

Linked to the above is the fact that 52% of survey respondents shared how their involvement has improved their interpersonal skills, making them better communicators and leaders. Soft skills – such as teamwork, interpersonal skills, empathy, mindfulness and resilience – are essential in all walks of life. Grassroots sports could provide an environment for individuals to develop and nurture these skills.

Feedback for Improvement

While the benefits were evident, respondents also suggested ways to enhance grassroots sports programmes.

Firstly, some respondents proposed integrating grassroots sports with support services such as counselling, stress management workshops or regular mental health check-ins. One even asked for a mental health seminar.

Secondly, respondents also encouraged the expansion of facilities and the creation of more beginner-friendly sessions to encourage broader participation. This would improve the accessibility of these programmes.

Thirdly, they suggested various support programmes such as injury awareness workshops, physiotherapy support and first-aid training to enhance safety.

These recommendations highlight respondents’ evolving expectations and the need for organisers to address diverse needs, ensuring that these programmes remain relevant and accessible. Doing so would increase participation and strengthen grassroots sports’ long-term impact on communities.

Community Transformation

The survey findings demonstrate that grassroots sports hold immense potential for societal transformation. They create healthier, more cohesive communities by fostering connection, boosting mental health and inspiring civic engagement.

These programmes offer a sense of belonging and purpose that extends beyond fields and courts, providing individuals with an opportunity to participate in and contribute to community activities.

The collective energy, enthusiasm and support that grassroots sports provide create a positive environment where individuals could feel empowered and motivated to make a difference in their communities.

Investing in grassroots sports goes beyond promoting physical fitness and mental health—it cultivates thriving individuals and cohesive communities. These programmes serve as a cornerstone for social and emotional wellbeing, fostering resilience and stronger bonds.

In an era marked by rising social isolation and stress, grassroots sports stand as a powerful tool for connection and empowerment, offering more relevant solutions than ever.

stratsea.com is pleased to share the second report by Green Ribbon Group on “The Impact of Gaza-related Social Media Content on Mental Health in Malaysia.” This paper is a continuation of its first report.

stratsea.com is pleased to share the Green Ribbon Group’s latest publication entitled, “The Impact of Gaza-related Social Media Content on Mental Health in Malaysia.” This working paper aims to assess the impacts of consuming social media coverage of Israel’s war on Gaza on mental health in Malaysia, using data collected through an online survey and interviews along three dimensions: 1) general perceptions on the Gaza conflict; 2) implications of exposure to Gaza-related content on one’s health, and; 3) coping mechanisms. The working paper is available for download below.

stratsea.com is pleased to publish the Green Ribbon Group’s (GRG) sixth and final report on its research series, “Building a Community Approach to Workplace Mental Health”. This report introduces the “Solution Pyramid”, GRG’s solution model for supporting employee mental health and enhancing organisational productivity. The “Solution Pyramid” is aimed at assisting upper management and senior leadership in paving the way towards destigmatised workplace mental health landscape in Malaysia. 

stratsea.com is pleased to share episode two of the docuseries by the Green Ribbon Group (GRG) and Pahang Rangers Futsal Club (PRFC) on men’s mental health. This episode features Head Coach Gerard Casas and Team Captain Akmarulnizam “Abeck” M. Idris as they explore the unique responsibilities and stressors that they experience. How do they withstand pressure, manage their own mental health, and continue to motivate their team?

Key points:

1. Perseverance and discipline will turn any challenging journey into a rewarding prize at the end of the line.
2. PRFC succeeded in winning the Malaysian Futsal Cup 2023 not because each team member was mentally stronger than those in other teams. Collectively, they knew they could share the mental pressure of winning the championship with each other. This was proven in their victories at crucial games, whereby they managed to maintain composure and confidence despite falling behind other teams.
3. The pressure in playing sports is a positive one, provided the players can adopt the right mindset.

stratsea.com is honored to republish the Green Ribbon Group’s (GRG) fifth report of its research series “Building a Community Approach to Workplace Mental Health”. This report highlights the points of disconnection, across generations and designations, that affect employee mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. While not exhaustive, these points were raised the most throughout GRG’s engagements – with 329 survey participants, over 30 interviews and two focus group discussions – for this research series since May 2023.

stratsea.com is pleased to present “The Workplace”, a podcast series by the Green Ribbon Group (GRG) that deep dives into different facets of workplace mental health in Malaysian modern workplace.  

This first episode provides an overview of the GRG’s research series on “Building a Community Approach to Workplace Mental Health”. Researchers Puteri Nor Ariane Yasmin and Muhammad Sinatra discuss key findings that have been gathered thus far.

The key points from the episode are: 

1.    The episode introduces the research series, consisting of six papers that each looks into different perceptions on workplace mental health. With four papers published thus far (at the time of recording), the episode also mulls over which direction the last two papers will head towards.

2.    One’s perception on workplace mental health differs depending on where they sit in the organization’s hierarchy (i.e., Operational, Manager or Senior Leader).

3.    Gen Zs have a clearer expectation of what an ideal workplace should be, which they deem would contribute towards their mental wellbeing in the workplace. This includes flexible working arrangements and bosses who are sensible to their struggles, among others. Often described as the “fragile” generation, Gen Zs, however, are perfectly capable of building resilience to withstand pressure in the professional space.

4.    Senior Leaders agree that mental health is important, but they cannot seem to agree on the best course to achieve employee wellbeing in their respective organizations.

5.    As the “sandwiched” group between the Gen Zs and Senior Leaders, there is an amplified urgency for Managers to equip themselves with the right skills and capabilities to support employee wellbeing. For that, Managers need to enroll in training programs.

6.    With men only comprising around 30% of the dataset (including an online survey and interviews), there is a perception that men in Malaysia are still uncomfortable to engage in conversations revolving around mental health.

It is the honor of stratsea.com to share the first episode of the docuseries by the Green Ribbon Group (GRG) and Pahang Rangers Futsal Club (PRFC) on men’s mental health, in support of the Movember movement. This first episode zooms in on the topic of work-life balance.

The key points from the episode are: 

1. Exercise can both be a form of stress reliever and a stress generator, depending on the context and one’s perception. 
2. Self-discipline is necessary to maintain a structure in your life, which in turn encourages stability. 
3. When facing stressful moments, all interviewees will immediately turn to their wives/fiancé for emotional support and to process the challenges at hand.