Oftentimes, the voices of mentally ill people are pushed aside due to stigma and ableism. This episode addresses the value and importance of listening to mentally ill people and how society differentiates between 'good' and 'bad' mentally ill people.

This episode is based on a post written by host Zulaikha Mohamad, which was inspired by the work of Dr. Marsha Linehan and Sam Dylan Finch, as well as her own experience dealing with stigma as a person with mental illness.

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Gentle Breeze by Purrple Cat | https://purrplecat.com

Mental health is still a taboo topic for many people, so addressing it in the media is important in destigmatising and normalising mental health issues. But how important is it that mental health issues are addressed responsibly, accurately & compassionately in the media that we consume? In this episode, my guests from My Mind on Film and I talk about popular films & TV series that have addressed mental health issues in both helpful and harmful ways. We discuss 13 Reasons Why, Split, Perks of Being A Wallflower, It's Kind of A Funny Story, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

My Mind on Film is Malaysia's first youth mental health short film festival organised by the Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing (a collaborative effort between HELP University and Malaysian Mental Health Association). Short film submissions are still open until 20th January 2021 for 16 to 25 year-olds. Stand a chance to win prizes such as Sony cameras, film industry placements, cash prizes, scholarships, and get your short film screened at MBO Cinema. The festival also hosts webinars and workshops on mental health and filmmaking. Check out their Instagram page @mymindonfilm.my to learn more. 

Content warning: The following media we discuss include the mention of suicide, rape, violence, kidnapping and negative portrayals of mental illness. If any of this is distressing for you at this time, please consider waiting until you're ready or refrain from listening to this episode altogether.

Mental wellbeing is something everyone should strive for, but how do we maintain good mental health? We talked with clinical psychologist Dr. Duska Tadic about what we can do to be mentally healthy through a holistic approach that includes the physical, emotional, psychological & social aspects of our lives. Learn how to build your own self-care plan now in this episode.