PUBLIC SPEAKING TEXT

- THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS -

Thank you to the Master of Ceremony. Friends, let us ponder for a

moment about some of these startling statistics. By no means, these
statistics are exclusive to Malaysia but is it a worldwide phenomenon.
Mental, neurological and substance use disorder accounted for 13% of the
global burden of disease. The National Health and Morbidity Survey
conducted by Ministry of Health in 2015 revealed that 1 in 3 Malaysian
have mental health issues. By 2020, mental health illness is expected to
be the second biggest health problem affecting Malaysian after heart
disease. In 2050, will it shot up and become the no 1 health problem
affecting Malaysian? Think about it.
A very good morning to the honourable judges, teachers and my fellow
contestants. My name is ______________________ and I am standing
here today to deliver a speech entitled “The Importance of Mental Health
Awareness”. I do not profess to expert on this subject but I will try to
shed some light on this matter.
What is exactly a mental illness? According to Merriam- Webster
Dictionary, mental illness refers to any of a broad range of medical
conditions such as Major Depression, Schizophrenia and Panic Disorder
that are marked primarily by sufficient disorganization of personality,
mind and emotions. However, obtaining a good mental health nowadays
is not easy due to the lack of awareness among our society members.
Untreated, mental illness can contribute to the higher risk of suicide. So,
what we can do to help? There are several ways one can promote mental
health awareness. Among the ways are to talk about mental health issues
openly, educate yourself and others on the warning signs of Mental
Illnesses and also to organize a mental health awareness programme.
So, before I move on further, let us see on how to talk about mental
health issues openly? It is exceptionally challenging to live with a mental
health disorder. People tend to deny and hide their struggle due to the
stigma of people surrounding them. You can encourage them to speak out
by sharing your own battles with mental illness and this will indirectly
encourage people around you to seek for help.
On the other hands, it is also essential to educate yourself and others
regarding the warning signs of mental illness. How many of us know
about these warning signs? Not many as we are too busy with our daily
life routine. Some of the signs such as mood changes, antisocial
behaviour, changes in sleeping patterns and constant sadness are actually
very alarming but some people just tend to ignore them. The
understanding and teaching of these warning signs can equip yourself and
those around you to detect this problem in early stage.
Dr Praveena Rajendra, a medical practitioner said that Mental illness is a
major issue that needs to be urgently addressed in Malaysia. She brings
the attention of our community to this matter by organizing a mental
health awareness programme and public forum on October 2020. This is
one of the efforts that can be taken by authorities to spread the
awareness. It will become a platform for many to realize that dealing with
mental health issues is not abnormal and there is nothing to be ashamed
of.
In conclusion, for a long time, the stigmatization of mental illness has
cause it to be a taboo subject among Malaysian and now, the time has
come for us to shed some light on this issue and show our fellow
Malaysian, the importance of mental health awareness. Thank you