KUCHING, August 11 – The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) and Astro Radio ERA Sarawak recently organized a panel session titled “Let’s Talk Content: Breaking News, Breaking Minds – the Trauma of Media and Mental Health.” This event aimed to address the significant impact of media coverage on mental health issues. Held in Kuching, Sarawak, industry experts gathered to discuss the influence of media biases, stereotypes, and responsible reporting in shaping the public’s perception of mental health.
Moderated by radio personality and entrepreneur Chopie Cakap, the panel discussion focused on Malaysia’s media landscape and its coverage of mental health topics, including suicide, distress, anxiety, and trauma. Esteemed experts in the field, such as psychiatrist Dr. Ravivarma Rao from Hospital Miri, Alia Ali, founder of Awareness Against Suicide (AWAS) Malaysia, and journalist Norman Goh from Nikkei Asia, shared their insights and personal experiences on the subject.
During the session, the panelists candidly discussed how mental health issues have affected them or their loved ones. Alia, the founder of AWAS Malaysia, opened up about the loss of someone dear to her due to the stigma surrounding mental health. She shared the lasting emotional trauma she continues to experience, stating, “To this day, I still feel the emptiness and trauma. There are even days when I still have nightmares and scream in my sleep. The pain is real, the stigma is real.”
Alia expressed concerns about the portrayal of mental health issues in the news, particularly when personal details are included. She highlighted the lack of awareness about mental health in Malaysia, especially in rural areas where it is still associated with superstitions and spiritual disturbances. Journalist Norman Goh acknowledged the challenges faced by media practitioners in the fast-paced news industry, which often pressures them to break stories quickly. However, he emphasized the importance of responsible reporting and urged the industry to consider the repercussions of their coverage.
Goh cautioned against generalizing mental health issues and urged journalists to question the necessity of certain details. He drew parallels between South Korea’s “cancel culture” and Malaysia’s “fashion policing,” highlighting the lasting effects of words. Goh stated, “The effects of your words that you type or speak will stick with that person forever, regardless of whether they are a celebrity or not.” The panelists raised concerns about the rise of cancel culture and its impact on minority groups, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals, migrants, disabled people, women, and young people.
They stressed the importance of objective reporting that empowers individuals to manage situations and pushes policymakers into action. They advocated for responsible reporting that highlights positive stories, challenges biases, and considers the implications of content on vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly. The issue of copycat suicides was also discussed, as detailed news reports on suicide cases can have a ripple effect on vulnerable individuals. Alarming statistics revealed that from 2019 to 2021, Malaysia recorded 1,706 suicide cases, with over 83% involving women and 51% involving children.
The panelists emphasized the urgent need to destigmatize suicide and depression, urging media practitioners to provide resources and support information alongside mental health reporting. Dr. Ravivarma Rao, a psychiatrist from Hospital Miri, emphasized the importance of ensuring individuals know where to seek help. He highlighted the need for counseling services, access to psychologists, and helplines. Dr. Rao also discussed the inadvertent harm caused by negative interactions and victim-blaming perpetuated by news statements.
He emphasized that articles about mental health should be based on facts and evidence rather than media biases and stereotypes. The panelists stressed the significance of media literacy and critical thinking skills in countering the spread of fake news, particularly among the youth. Dr. Rao highlighted the vulnerability of children to misinformation due to their impressionable minds and ongoing brain development.
The panel session concluded with a collective call to media professionals to adopt responsible reporting practices, prioritize accuracy and empathy, and contribute to a better understanding of mental health issues. Datuk Abdullah Saidol, the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Sarawak Public Communications Unit), commended the Content Forum for organizing the event and emphasized the importance of qualified journalism in the digital media revolution.
