"She's Trembling" – M'sians Sympathise With Maya Karin After Her On-stage Panic Attack
Maya said that she had already sensed a panic attack coming her way before going on stage.
By Aqasha Nalani — 05 Dec 2022, 05:00 PM
A video of Malaysian actress and film icon Maya Karin having a panic attack while presenting an award at Festival Filem Malaysia 32 (FFM32) recently went viral on TikTok
In the 34-second video, Maya and Faizal Hussein are seen presenting the Best Male Actor award for the ceremony, but she abruptly asks the audience to excuse herself.
Maya, now trembling uncontrollably, continues to grab Faizal by his arms and remove her shoes while on stage.
She then nods to Faizal, who is holding her waist and assisting her to stand.
"Sorry, ladies and gentlemen, I had to remove my shoes," Maya explained to the audience.
Maya, who is holding a cue card in the video, can be seen still shaking even after taking her shoes off
"As nominees for Best Male Actor, this group of actors was able to translate the value, structure, and intellectual skills of acting. This year's candidates are..." Maya said, as her voice quivered.
After she delivers the line, Faizal is seen trying his best to calm Maya down.
Maya later revealed that she had already sensed a panic attack coming her way before going on stage and had asked Faizal to present the award on his own
However, the actress said that before going on stage, Faizal convinced her that she could do it and asked her to remain calm. Maya persisted after hearing her friend's words of encouragement, reported Harian Metro.
"However, as soon as I got on stage, my mind became distracted by the audience and the camera. Everything was fine during the previous Anugerah Seri Angkasa ceremony," she was quoted as saying.
"I'm not sure how it happened. These panic attacks usually come out of nowhere, and it happens more frequently now when there is pressure," she added saying that this was the first time she had ever dealt with the psychological illness in front of a large audience.
Maya, who began having panic attacks nearly four years ago, says she has not received professional treatment but plans to see a specialist soon
Maya explained that she did not have time to go to the hospital for treatment because she was travelling to the US and Thailand for work immediately after filming Telaga Suriram.
"Perhaps next week I'll see a doctor to get treatment because my friends have begun to worry after seeing my condition at FFM32," she said, adding that she had never relied on medicine before.
Maya thanked Faizal for always being there for her and for being her saviour during the ceremony.
"I was moved by Faizal's assistance, who had already noticed my change on stage. He also assisted me in removing my shoes. He is a true gentleman," said the actress.
"Although I shouldn't have held him, I desperately needed assistance at the time. In fact, he took care of me until our task was completed. Others may not care or understand the situation I was in, but he genuinely cared. He even held on to my shoes for me."
Netizens were moved by the video and left heartfelt comments
One user speculated that Maya had not been on stage in a long time, and that her panic attack became worse because she had a history of anxiety.
Another pointed out that her hands were shaking.
"She does suffer from anxiety and I understand her. I could feel what she was going through," said another.
Anxiety is a serious mental disorder and asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
If you or anyone you know is lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, please call these Malaysian hotlines:
1. BEFRIENDERS KL
24-hour
Contact: +603-76272929
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. TALIAN KASIH
24-hour
Contact: 15999
WhatsApp: +6019-2615999
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook
3. BUDDY BEAR CHILDLINE
Daily (12pm - 12am)
Contact: 1800-18-2327
Email: [email protected]
Facebook | Instagram
For a more thorough directory of resources, head over to the websites of Malaysian Mental Health Association or MINDAKAMI.
