The Lived Experience of Mental Health Disorders and the Path to True

“The world breaks everyone, and afterwards, some are strong at the broken places.” – Ernest Hemingway

1. What Are We Talking About?

          Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being, yet mental disorders — defined by Malaysia’s Mental Health Act 2001 as “any mental illness, arrested or incomplete development of the mind, psychiatric disorder or any other disorder or disability of the mind, however acquired” — are often shrouded in misunderstanding and silence. These are genuine health conditions, not signs of weaknesses or character flaws. In Malaysia, individuals with certain severe and long-term mental illnesses, such as severe forms of Organic Mental Disorder, Chronic Schizophrenia, Paranoid Disorders, Mood Disorders (including depression and bipolar disorder), other Psychotic Disorders, and Schizoaffective Disorder as Persistent Delusional Disorders, maybe recognised as ‘Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) mental’ by the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) if their condition significantly affects their social functioning. This article aims to shed light on the pervasive challenges faced by individuals with mental disorders, from social stigma to their daily realities, and to explore how we can foster more supportive environments, particularly within the workplace.

2. The Double Burden: Stigma and Daily Realities

          One of the most significant hurdles faced by individuals with mental disorders is the pervasive stigma. This involves negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discrimination that arise from a lack of understanding or fear. Historically, mental health issues were often viewed as personal failings or even spiritual afflictions, rather than medical conditions. This stigma creates a powerful barrier, causing individuals to hide their struggles, fear judgment, and hesitate to seek the professional help they need. The fear of being labelled or losing opportunities can be more debilitating than the condition itself.

          Many public figures have bravely stepped forward to combat this silence. Lady Gaga, for instance, has been a vocal advocate, openly sharing her experiences with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. Through her Born This Way Foundation, she actively works to validate the emotions of young people and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health, demonstrating how powerful it is when influential voices challenge misconceptions.

          Beyond the societal stigma, individuals with mental disorders navigate complex daily realities that are often invisible to others. Conditions like severe depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder can manifest in fluctuating energy levels, profound difficulty concentrating, challenges in emotional regulation, and impacts on sleep and appetite. Simple daily tasks can become monumental efforts. Social interactions might be overwhelming, leading to withdrawal. The constant effort to manage symptoms while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy is an immense burden. When coupled with stigma, these daily challenges are amplified, making it harder to access support networks and participate fully in society, as articulated by the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, which highlights how societal barriers can hinder the ‘full and effective participation’ of individuals with impairments.  

          When coupled with stigma, these daily challenges are amplified, making it harder to access support networks and participate fully in society, as articulated by the Persons With Disabilities Act 2008, which highlights how societal barriers can hinder the “full and effective participation” of individuals with impairments.

          The journey of Demi Lovato, who has openly shared their long-term struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction, exemplifies the immense strength required to navigate these daily realities. Their advocacy has been instrumental in normalising discussions around mental illness, showing that recovery is a continuous process and that speaking up is a vital step. Similarly, comedian Pete Davidson has candidly discussed his diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), depression, and anxiety. His willingness to use humour to address his challenges not only helps him cope but also destigmatises conditions that are often misunderstood, highlighting the diverse ways individuals manage their mental health.

3. Creating Supportive Spaces: Mental Health in the Workplace and Social Settings

          Given that many adults spend a significant portion of their lives in the workplace and engage in various social contexts, these environments become critical for mental health support. If not addressed, mental disorders can impact an individual’s ability to perform their job effectively, leading to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and even job loss. Conversely, supportive spaces can be cornerstones of recovery and well-being.

Creating mentally healthy workplaces involves several key strategies:

• Reducing Stigma: Leaders and colleagues can play a vital role by openly discussing mental health, promoting empathy, and challenging discriminatory language. When mental health is treated with the same seriousness as physical health, it signals a culture of acceptance.
• Offering Support: Providing access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counselling services, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage for mental health treatment are crucial. Companies can also promote mental health days and encourage employees to prioritise self-care without fear of judgment.
• Providing Flexibility and Accommodations: For individuals with mental disorders, reasonable accommodations can make a significant difference. This might include flexible working hours, options for remote work, designated quiet spaces, adjusted workloads during challenging periods, or modified job responsibilities. These accommodations enable individuals to manage their conditions while continuing to contribute their valuable skills.
• Promoting Psychological Safety: Beyond just policies, a truly supportive workplace cultivates an environment of psychological safety. This means employees feel safe to express concerns, ask questions, or admit mistakes without fear of punishment or humiliation. When individuals feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to speak up about their mental health needs early, preventing issues from escalating.
• Training and Education for All: It’s not just about leadership. Providing mental health literacy training for all employees, particularly managers and HR, can equip them to recognise signs of distress, respond empathetically, and guide colleagues towards appropriate resources. Training like Mental Health First Aid can empower individuals to offer initial support and reduce feelings of helplessness.
• Fostering Work-Life Balance and Stress Management: Proactive measures are key. Workplaces can implement policies that discourage overwork, promote regular breaks, and offer resources for stress management, mindfulness, or resilience-building workshops. Clear communication about expectations and boundaries helps prevent burnout and supports overall mental well-being.
• Establishing Clear Return-to-Work Processes: For employees who take leave for mental health reasons, a structured and supportive return-to-work plan is essential. This can involve phased returns, modified duties, and ongoing check-ins to ensure a smooth transition and prevent relapse.

Creating Safe Spaces in Social Settings:

Beyond formal workplaces, every social interaction presents an opportunity to foster a more inclusive environment. Individuals and communities can contribute by:

• Practising Active Listening and Non-Judgment: When someone shares their mental health struggles, listen without interrupting, offering unsolicited advice, or minimising their feelings. Validate their experience and let them know they are heard.
• Challenging Stigmatising Language: Gently correct misinformation or prejudiced remarks about mental health. Educate others by sharing accurate information and promoting respectful language.
• Being Inclusive in Social Activities: Ensure social gatherings and community events are accessible and welcoming. This might mean considering sensory environments, offering flexible participation options, and proactively including individuals who might otherwise feel isolated.
• Offering Support Without Pressure: Let friends, family, or acquaintances know you are there for them, but respect their boundaries. Offer practical help if appropriate, but avoid pressuring them to “get over it” or engage in activities they’re not ready for.
• Educating Yourself and Others: Continue to learn about mental health disorders and the impact of stigma. Share reliable resources and encourage open conversations within your social circles, helping to normalise discussions around mental well-being.

         By implementing these comprehensive measures, workplaces and communities not only fulfil their ethical responsibility but also reap tangible benefits, including a more productive, resilient, and compassionate society.

4. Conclusion: Moving Forward Together

        Understanding mental health disorders means recognising them as legitimate health conditions, acknowledging the profound impact of stigma, and appreciating the daily realities faced by those living with them. The courage of public figures like Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, and Pete Davidson in sharing their journeys underscores the universality of these struggles and the power of open dialogue. As a society, and particularly within our workplaces, we have a collective responsibility to dismantle barriers and foster environments where individuals with mental disorders feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. By educating ourselves, challenging stereotypes, and championing inclusive practices, we can move towards a future where mental well-being is prioritised for all, ensuring that no one is left behind due to an unseen struggle.