October 14, 2020 @ 12:03a.m.
https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2020/10/632070/we-can-be-kind-so-many-ways
LETTERS: This month sees the world celebrating the Mental Health Awareness Month with the theme, Mental Health for All.
It is also the national month of counselling in Malaysia, in conjunction with World Mental Health Day which fell on Oct 10.In 2015, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry achieved a milestone when it announced these during a conference organised by Persatuan Kaunseling Malaysia (PERKAMA International) to bring counselling to the community.
This year, the ministry extends its support to connect its counselling efforts to the community with the theme “Counselling for Community Wellness”.
In response to the current situation, PERKAMA International takes the spirit of this year’s World Mental Health Day to instil the value of helping others by choosing “Kindness to All” as the thematic words of wisdom to the community.
A mentally healthy person will always strive to have a meaningful life without denying its challenges by using his or her existing abilities to cope with unexpected events. It means that taking care of oneself by practising self-care must be made a priority.
Humans have the ability and resources to face life’s challenges. However, there are times when we may get overwhelmed due to a traumatic event or perhaps because we are not prepared for it.
Getting help is not a sign of weakness but an affirmation that we will get through these difficult times through our willingness to ask for support from others.
This is the beginning of our effort to be kind to ourselves as it is the one thing we can control when things are not going our way.
We should be more loving, caring and responsible for our wellness instead of relying on others.
By doing so, we are building a more positive self. We can also become a better person by interacting with people.
While it is important that we must be kind to our loved ones, it is equally crucial that we be nice to anyone we encounter in our life.
Mentally healthy individuals see themselves as positive entities that bring positive vibes to others around them.
In our daily life, we react to the people whom we meet. There are days when we have unpleasant encounters with someone.
Positive or negative reactions affect us externally (to the relationship) and internally (to ourselves).
Being kind to “not so nice” people is not an easy task, but it is possible. By doing this, it can end the chain of negativity.
While it is tempting to respond to unpleasant statements made by people we don’t know on social media, this must not be an excuse for us to be mean to them.
Our judgmental statement may hurt people. Let us stop the chain! If kindness can help strangers feel better, it can help us grow into altruistic individuals.
During a crisis, like the Covid-19 pandemic, we may have different views on what kindness should be.
Nevertheless, it is always good to be kind to ourselves by following the anti-Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures.
Do not put anyone at risk of contracting the virus as we can easily stay at home and quarantine ourselves.
By doing this, you are being kind to yourself, as well as to other people.
Let us celebrate the World Mental Health Day and National Counselling Month by practising “Kindness to All”.
Dr Haniza Rais
Counsellor Educator, Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia
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