Short Post on Mental Health

Post prompted by: The Simpsons S1E3 "Homer's Odyssey"

Hi Maryam.

This episode of the Simpsons had a dark bit where Homer writes a farewell suicide note to his family and actually tries to off himself by jumping off a bridge. 

Mental health is a touchy subject. I thought it was only the case in Malaysia, but turns out it's still taboo in many developed countries too. If it wasn't for the fact that I'm a doctor AND I'm in charge of my district's NCD programme, I don't think I'd have a lot of exposure with mental health issues either. 

I pray that one day mental health issues will be more openly talked about. We're seeing change in a positive direction. Once, the local masjid even gave the Friday sermon about mental health and they did it in a really respectable way (no mention of jin or devils or weak iman). Then again, Perak does have an excellent sultan so it shouldn't be surprising. 

I don't have much to write about this episode for now. I'd just want you to know that you can talk with me or Mama about any issues you are having - and I hope that you already know this from us instead of having to read it on this blog. 

See ya. 

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