"Pape Roger" – Local Media Platform Launches Mental Health Awareness Campaign
The campaign encourages frank, empathetic conversations to break unnecessary stigmas surrounding mental health.
By Jeremy Ng — 05 Oct 2023, 12:46 PM
In an effort to raise awareness among Malaysians about mental health issues, local media platform OHBULAN! has launched its 'Besties, Pape Roger' campaign
The initiative is done in collaboration with Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA) and TikTok Malaysia as the official online platform partner. It will run for a month, coinciding with the celebration of World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
Recent statistics have shown that individuals seeking support through the Ministry of Health's hotline for mental health issues have increased by five times from 2020 to 2022
Furthermore, the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015 revealed that one in three Malaysians aged 16 and above faced challenges in mental health.
In 2019, the ministry reported that 2.3% of adults and 9.5% of children aged 10 to 15 years experienced mental health problems, and these percentages are predicted to continue rising.
In response to these growing trends, 'Besties, Pape Roger' strives to challenge mental health stigma and debunk stereotypes, fostering a more empathetic atmosphere while championing holistic wellbeing
Through a strong partnership with MIASA, the 'Besties, Pape Roger' campaign hopes to offer precise insights into the fundamentals of mental illness, encompassing its various types, associated risk factors, and efficient management strategies.
Anita Abu Bakar, President and Founder of MIASA, said, "All mental illnesses have the potential for recovery, but they require a comprehensive approach and consistent treatment over time because symptoms often recur. Therefore, each individual requires varying durations to recover."
She added that it's not easy for an individual to accept a diagnosis of mental health problems because it comes with many misconceptions and negative labels. In fact, some individuals are in denial and lose self-confidence.
According to TikTok Malaysia Head of Operations, Hooi Yin Yin, she believes that "change begins with a dialogue"
"The 'Besties, Pape Roger' campaign is rooted in the belief that frank, empathetic conversations between individuals can break unnecessary stigmas around mental health and wellbeing. When we encourage honest conversations, we empower individuals to share their experiences, learn from one another, and seek help, paving the way for healthier, safer, and more resilient communities," she said.
Additionally, REV Media Group Head of Malay Network, Noraniza Azmi, said that the issue of mental health is still taboo among most Malaysians. Many people are still unsure how to seek appropriate help, which is why she hopes this initiative can assist individuals with mental illnesses find a path to resolution.
Leveraging OHBULAN!'s popularity as one of Malaysia's leading media platforms, the campaign features interviews with prominent local celebrities sharing their experiences dealing with mental health issues
Azyan Shorlokman, Campaign Manager for ‘Besties, Pape Roger’ and also a content writer at OHBULAN!, shared her excitement seeing many celebrities and influencers coming forward to take part in this campaign. Among them are Nadia Brian, Zynakal, Sharifah Sakinah, Shuhada Shukri, and Ayu from Hot FM.
She emphasised that it's important for the public to know that mental illness can affect anyone. Therefore, patients should not be ashamed to seek appropriate help.
In addition to article content, videos, and exclusive social media content, OHBULAN! has launched an exclusive microsite that allows individuals to express their feelings anonymously. Through this platform, the audience can share their stories without any concerns, as no personal information is required.
