Warrior

Today we were greeted with a news of the passing of Nur Areefah, a strong mental health warrior, who co-found Malaysian Mental Care Association. She fought a long battle with cancer and has been the most prominent people in sharing and advocating about mental health. Her passing was truly felt as people kept pouring out stories, wonderful stories, about her, her humour, her personality and her professionalism. She was non-stop with all her job and made it a safe place to share about mental health. I have observed her for years, and despite only have had met her 4 times, and it was years ago, I can still feel her wonderful ambiance. Her wonderful way to greet people with open arms and never even complain when she was battling cancer for all these years. I am a witness to all her strength, hard work and contributions that she has made into the world of mental health in Malaysia. Her passing was shared amongst all the people she had helped, and that includes me. Her passing made me reflec...

Oh verily so! This strength is depleting and this emotional combat is nearing its end; which side will win? Depression is something. It is not just a name, but a feeling. The feeling of spiraling downwards, being dragged into an abyss of darkness, being crushed down into the pavement, that feeling of shivering cold, that feeling of being alone and yet still feeling fear. And it just doesn't go away. No matter what I do, it doesn't go away. People would never guess that someone has depression. They might look happy, always filled with laughter and jokes. They are the ones who are so empathetic and always there with a helping hand. They are probably someone with so many aspirations and motivation. They might be someone pious. They look like everyone else. I'll take Robin Williams as an example. In 2014, we lost a great comedian and celebrity. No one ever thought that he was facing depression. You should look at all his interviews, so merry, glee, full of laughter and jokes. N...