20/07/2025

ON SUNDAY JULY 20, 2025 theSunday Special IX

for someone with PTSD, this can lead to negative thoughts flooding in, leaving them feeling even more unsettled. Because of this, deeper healing meth ods, such as hypnotherapy, can be far PRUH H̆ HFWLYH +\SQRWKHUDS\ E\SDVVHV the rational mind and connects with the subconscious, where memories and emo tions are stored. By accessing this inner part of the mind, it becomes possible to SURFHVV GL̇ FXOW H[SHULHQFHV DQG LQWURGXFH IHHOLQJV RI VDIHW\ DQG FRQ¿GHQFH Hue also recommends Schema therapy for PTSD patients. “This therapy works E\ DGGUHVVLQJ GL̆ HUHQW SDUWV RI WKH VHOI almost like role playing. It brings out the hurt child, the strong adult and the vulnerable parts within us. Through gentle negotiation, past trauma can be under stood and healed, allowing a healthier way forward.” Beyond therapy, having a strong foun dation in religion or spirituality can be a vital source of strength and support. Faith provides focus and a sense of connection, offering comfort when everything else feels uncertain. Research has shown that UHOLJLRXV EHOLHIV FDQ KLJKO\ EHQH¿W PHQWDO well-being and help reduce symptoms of PTSD. In fact, the general body of research supports the broader claim that positive religious coping, such as prayer, com PXQDO VXSSRUW DQG ¿QGLQJ PHDQLQJ FDQ be associated with reduced anxiety and depression, and increased resilience after trauma. A Culture of care While the world moves steadily towards compassion and clarity around mental health, Malaysia is still taking small, cautious steps. With rising cases linked to economic strain, natural disasters and is sues like domestic abuse and harassment, it’s clear that the need for mental health support is growing. To meet this moment, both the government and society must do more to dismantle stigma and encourage people to come forward without fear or shame. Hue urges those living with PTSD or anyone who knows someone who might be struggling, to guide them towards professional help. “It should be normal to see a counsellor, just like you would go for an annual health check,” she said. She also cautioned against relying solely on general practitioners.

However, it’s essential to recognise that the condition can manifest in various ways from person to person. Each experience is unique and symptoms can vary in both intensity and form. Professor Dato’ Dr Andrew Mohanraj, a consultant psychiatrist, Mental Health Development Adviser and medical direc tor at RE: Life Clinic, explains that these V\PSWRPV FDQ VLJQL¿FDQWO\ LPSDFW GDLO\ life. “They can interfere with work, strain relationships and make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. For a formal diagnosis, the symptoms must persist for more than D PRQWK DQG FDXVH VLJQL¿FDQW HPRWLRQDO distress or a noticeable decline in day-to day functioning,” revealed Mohanraj. Recognising silent wounds With 28 years of experience treating mental health conditions, Mohanraj has seen firsthand how trauma can deeply affect individuals in this region. Many of the PTSD cases he has encountered stem from natural disasters common in Southeast Asia. “My interest in trauma work began after the 2004 Asian tsunami, when I went to Banda Aceh, Indonesia, to help set up post-disaster community mental health services,” he shared. “Since then, I’ve been involved in simi ODU H̆ RUWV LQ -DYD DQG 6XPDWUD IROORZLQJ earthquakes, after typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and in post-war Timor-Leste.” Yet, despite the frequency of such traumatic events, mental health is still a topic many shy away from in this part of the world. “In many societies, PTSD is VHHQ DV D ZHDNQHVV RU D ÀDZ LQ VRPHRQH¶V character. Survivors of rape or molestation are often blamed instead of supported. All of this makes it even harder for people to speak up,” Mohanraj added. In Malaysia, there is still a common misconception that discussing one’s feel ings is a sign of weakness. The stigma surrounding mental health remains strong and many fear being labelled as unstable or even “crazy”. This makes it incredibly GL̇ FXOW IRU SHRSOH WR DGPLW ZKHQ WKH\ DUH struggling. As a result, many choose to stay silent, putting on a brave face while quietly battling their inner turmoil. That is why recognising the early signs and reaching out for help is crucial. Delay ing treatment can lead to more serious consequences. For those experiencing PTSD, having open communication with someone you trust can make a world of GL̆ HUHQFH :KHWKHU LW¶V D IDPLO\ PHPEHU a friend or a mental health professional, connection plays a key role in recovery. If you know someone who may be struggling, Hue advises against trying to compare their experience with your own. “Not everyone processes trauma in the same way, so what worked for you may not work for them,” she explained. “If you’re unsure what to say, just be there. Your presence and support can offer a sense of safety. What matters most is guiding them to a mental health professional who can provide the right kind of help.” Approaches to recovery While many healing methods may seem harmless, surprisingly, some mindfulness practices can make PTSD symptoms worse. Mindfulness often encourages “emptying the mind” or forcing calm, but

“They can interfere with work, strain relationships and make everyday tasks feel overwhelming.”

Mohanraj

“Many PTSD patients visit regular clinics complaining of headaches, cold sweats or insomnia. While doctors may treat the surface symptoms, they often miss the underlying trauma. That’s why it’s important to go straight to a mental health professional.” Mohanraj, on the other hand, believes more attention should be given to rural communities, where stigma remains GHHSO\ URRWHG ³)DU WRR PDQ\ SHRSOH VX̆ HU in silence to avoid judgment or rejection,” he said. “PTSD must be recognised as a serious condition and awareness should be an essential part of our mental health literacy.” If you or someone you know is strug gling with symptoms of PTSD, feeling overwhelmed, hopeless or having thoughts of self-harm, know that support is avail able. You can call 03-76272929 any time, GD\ RU QLJKW 7KH KHOSOLQH R̆ HUV D VDIH anonymous space to speak freely and also runs programmes on suicide prevention and mental health education.

Hypnotherapy bypasses the rational mind and connects with the subconscious.

Having open communication with someone you trust can make a world of difference.