Blogging for mental health - YP's tribute, Walk on By

At least once in our lifetime, we'll come in contact with someone who has a mental health problem, or has grappled with one. They're exactly like you and me, and most of the time you'd be surprised to find out who has had such problems before. That's especially the case in countries such as ours (Malaysia) where mental health is taken for granted, and any bleeps in the radar are swept under the carpet, to be ignored, misunderstood, or made fun of. Who hasn't said the words Tanjung Rambutan or hospital orang gila (7th mile for Kuchingites who understand) in the same breath as nervous laughter?

The shame of it all is that there are facilities available to help these people, if they know how to access them, or have friends who know how to help. And getting the right help counts - battling the monsters of the mind is no easy feat. That's where the Malaysian Mental Health Association comes in - to raise awareness and to erase the stigma of mental health issues, paving the way for the people involved to access the best care they can possibly get.

Support my dear friend YP as she pays tribute to a mutual friend (blogging for 24 hours, no joke!), while supporting the good work the Malaysian Mental Health Association is trying to do.

The help you freely give can one day set a person free from the cruel jail of his psyche.