Hue with a client during a counselling session. Hue notes that many women seeking counselling feel trapped in unhappy environments and endure toxic relationships with spouses, children or coworkers.
NOTING that many women from the M40 and B40 income groups face immense challenges, the Selangor Mental Health Association (SMHA) has embarked on a mission to help them out.
In addition, SMHA is heeding the call of Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah for more compassion and understanding towards those facing mental health challenges.
Counselling psychologist Joyce Hue, who is also SMHA treasurer, said the organisation had initiated counselling sessions for these women beginning May 2023.
“We have counselling interns from universities who offer their services and if the problem is a little more serious, I will do the counselling myself,’’ said Hue.
She added that when psychiatric problems are detected, the client is immediately referred to SMHA president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj, who is a consultant psychiatrist.
Currently, a minimum charge of RM10 and RM30 is charged respectively for B40 and M40 women for a counselling session.
According to Hue, the most common problems faced by the women are financial constraints, overworking, and poor familial and marital relationships.
“Basically, most of them just want someone they can talk to and voice their unhappiness and grievances,” she said.
Hue added that many of the women seeking counselling complain of feeling trapped in an unhappy environment.
Some of them have to endure toxic relationships with their spouses, children, bosses and co-workers.
“Unfortunately, those facing stress at their workplaces cannot leave their jobs as that is their only means of earning an income,” she added.
SMHA deputy president Firoza Burhan said it is crucial for the organisation to seek out these women, as they may not have the means or knowledge to seek intervention.
Firoza says sultan sharafuddin’s emphasis on mental health motivated smHa to support marginalisedwomen dealing with depression and anxiety.
As a result, most of them suffer from depression or anxiety in silence.
“Fortunately, most of the time the women just need the space, time and safety to express and share their feelings with someone who would not judge them,’’ said Firoza.
She added that Sultan Sharafuddin’s emphasis on mental health has pushed SMHA to embark on a mission to help marginalised women cope with depression and anxiety.
Meanwhile, SMHA vice-president Jared David thanked Sultan Sharafuddin for his royal concern towards people suffering from mental health problems.
David also revealed that there are many people, including professionals who are part of the nation’s workforce, who suffer from various mental health issues.
“Some have checked themselves into mental health nursing homes and commute to and from work from there.
“They are high-functioning individuals who realise and acknowledge the fact that they could face a breakdown anytime and need professional intervention,’’ said David.
Luckily for them, he added, they are able to afford to stay in the nursing homes and take care of themselves.
There are even some high- functioning individuals suffering from conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, who live in the nursing homes while pursuing postgraduate education and holding down jobs at the same time, added David.
