RU ACTIVITY
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK
"RU Okay"? Fostering Mental Health Awareness and Community Well-being
[10-13 Oct 2023]
With Mental Health Day week’s event has come to an end, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible success of our “RU Okay?” Mental Health Week event.
In conjunction with Global Mental Health Day and Academia Month, from the 10th to the 13th of October, Raffles University came together to prioritise mental health awareness and provide a supportive space for our students and academia team. We are glad to share the highlights of this transformative week for the Raffles Community. A week-long event dedicated to raising mental health awareness and providing a space for our students and staff to unwind and relax. In collaboration with the Psychology Department, the Raffles University Psychology Association (RUPA), the Raffles Art Club (RAC), the government organisation Biro Pendidikan Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK), and the external training organisation ITC Malaysia, we are excited to present an event filled with informative sessions and engaging discussions.
Creating Awareness and Breaking Stigma
One of the primary goals of “RU Okay?” was to bring awareness to mental health issues and create an environment where individuals felt comfortable seeking help and discussing their experiences. To achieve this, Raffles University Psychology Association (RUPA) organised an informative Infographic Display that ran throughout the week, with information covering common myths and providing valuable self-help information. It was heartwarming to witness students and staff engaging in conversations and gaining a deeper understanding of mental health.
Mental health is a topic that concerns us all, and by dispelling myths and providing knowledge, we took a significant step toward breaking the stigma surrounding it. We believe that open conversations and education can empower individuals to seek help when needed, without fear or judgment.
Creative Expression and Community Bonding
Expressing emotions through art can be a powerful therapeutic tool, and that’s exactly what we aimed to achieve with the Art and Painting Day sessions. These Art and Painting Session allowed participants to let their feelings flow onto canvas and share their thoughts through art. The artistic contributions showcased a wide range of emotions, stories, and experiences, by highlighting the diversity of our community.
Raffles University’s Board Games Day under Mental Health Week’s event, have always aimed to bring joy and relaxation to the campus, During the boar games day, the campus came alive with laughter and camaraderie as students and staff joined together to play various board games, providing a much-needed break from the daily grind. These moments of connection remind us of the importance of coming together as a community. In times when the world can feel overwhelming, simple pleasures like board games with friends can be a balm for the soul.”
Mental Health Forum and Interactive Session at RU University is an event dedicated to fostering mental health awareness and promoting open discussions. Our four esteemed speakers brought their unique perspectives to the table, shedding light on different aspects of psychology and therapy.
- Ms Lophren Yong Wen Sheue, the Art Therapist, emphasised the healing power of creative expression through art therapy.
- Mr Ong Chia Shen, the RU Counsellor, highlighted the crucial role of counseling services in supporting students facing emotional and psychological challenges.
- Mr Chew Boon Tao, the RU Lecturer, discussed the relationship between mental health and academic success.
- Dr Safiya Binti Haja Amanullah, the Psychiatrist, addressed the significance of professional psychiatric care.
Fun and Relaxation for All
RU Psychology Association also organised “Art and Painting Day” on the 3rd day of Mental Health Week. Participants were given free tote bags and art supplies to paint with. The art and painting event was a chance for students and staff to have fun and be creative. It showed how art can bring people together. It’s about making friends and being creative too.
On the last day of Mental Health Week, Raffles University Psychology Association(RUPA) hosted “Movie Day” to wrap up the week’s events. On this special day, Raffles students and staff gathered to watch a series of thought-provoking films, with popcorn in hand, they settled in for an afternoon of cinematic exploration. This event provided a moment of relaxation and reflection, allowing everyone to appreciate the power of storytelling in addressing mental health challenges. It showcased RU’s dedication to holistic mental well-being.
These moments of connection remind us of the importance of coming together as a community. In times when the world can feel overwhelming, simple pleasures like board games and movies with friends can be a balm for the soul.
