After weeks of vigorously battling my own thoughts and emotions, I finally reached out for professional help and thankfully, I was economically able to do so at that time by going to a private mental health clinic.
There, I learned what my triggers and stressors were, and how to manage them day by day. My psychiatrist evaluated my symptoms and history, and concluded that I had Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Clinical Depression caused by burnout and prolonged isolation during lockdowns.
I was on antidepressants (Escitalopram/ Lexapro) for about two months. I did not like the occasional side effects the medicine gave me such as lethargy and mild hyperventilation, so I consulted my doctor and we agreed to gradually stop the medication and focus on cognitive behavioural therapy sessions instead.
Due to the costs and the fact that I was feeling better, I decided to stop going to the sessions towards the end of 2021.
Ever since, I have become more determined to stand for mental wellbeing with the hope that more people will be well-equipped with the knowledge and resources on this subject matter. It is also my desire to make mental health facilities more accessible and affordable to the community.
Not too long ago, I had a chat session with Unmind, a workplace wellbeing platform based in London, UK, whose mission is to create mentally healthy workplaces.
The video summary from the session is in progress and should come out soon.
During the session, they asked me something like “What was the trigger point that made you seek for help?”
Here, let me show you a glimpse of that trigger point.
It was when I found myself writing down farewell notes (letter) just in case something happened to me.
I was suddenly so paranoid that something bad was going to happen to me although I was safe from any obvious harm. That was when I told myself that I needed a professional intervention.
And I’m glad that I made that call.
For anyone who needs to know this, if you feel overwhelmed with any type of emotions or thoughts and you have a hunch that you are not being your usual self, listen to your gut and go find someone you can trust to give you guidance and support. Take that first step.
Stay safe and carry on! :)
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Where to Access Support
If you have concerns about your ability to keep yourself safe, then please:
- Speak to someone you trust to talk things through
- Call 03-76272929 (Malaysia) at Befrienders - https://www.befrienders.org.my/. They provide psychological and emotional support to anyone suffering from mental health issues or crisis, over the phone. Available 24/7.
- You can contact your GP/doctor who will advise where you can access support locally
- If out of hours, you can contact your local mental health crisis team or attend your local hospital
In an emergency, please contact:
Mental Health Resources
- 999 (Malaysia) - if you need an ambulance, police or fire support
- Your local urgent care centre
Mental Health Resources
- Self-Help Information - https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/
- Information on different types of mental health problems - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/
