The launch of the “Besties, Pape Roger” mental health awareness campaign has been announced by OHBULAN! in partnership with Mental Illness Awareness and Support (MIASA) and TikTok Malaysia as the official online platform partners. This one-month-long campaign will take place on October 10 in conjunction with the annual “World Mental Health Day” commemoration.
Mental illness has become an increasingly pressing issue in Malaysia, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data, individuals seeking support through the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), an initiative under the National Mental Health Excellence Center, Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), recorded a five-fold increase in 2022 compared to 2020 (Source: Berita Harian, October 10, 2022).
Furthermore, the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015 revealed that one in three Malaysians aged 16 and above faces challenges in mental health. In 2019, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) reported that 2.3% of adults and 9.5% of children aged 10 to 15 years experienced mental health problems, with MOH predicting that these percentages are expected to continue rising.
‘Besties, Pape Roger’ Campaign Provides Information on Mental Illness
Through a strong partnership with MIASA, the ‘Besties, Pape Roger’ campaign endeavors to offer precise insights into the fundamentals of mental illness, encompassing its various types, associated risk factors, and efficient management strategies. Furthermore, the campaign strives to challenge stigma and debunk stereotypes, fostering a more empathetic atmosphere while championing holistic well-being.
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.
Hooi Yin Yin, Head of Operations and Marketing, TikTok Malaysia, said, “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 well-being. 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.”
Noraniza Azmi, Head of Malay Network, REV Media Group, said, “The issue of mental health is like a taboo topic among Malaysians, and on average, many are still hesitant or unsure about how to seek appropriate help. Therefore, it is hoped that this initiative can assist individuals experiencing mental illnesses in finding a path to resolution.
Additionally, the ‘Besties, Pape Roger’ campaign also aims to encourage the community to understand individuals facing mental health challenges through audience-friendly and easily accessible content.”
Celebrity Personal Sharing
Leveraging the strength of OHBULAN! as Malaysia’s number one social entertainment platform, the editorial team interviewed several prominent local celebrities to share their experiences dealing with mental health issues.
Azyan Shorlokman, Campaign Manager for ‘Besties, Pape Roger’ and also a content writer at OHBULAN!, said, “The editorial team is delighted that many celebrities and well-known influencers have come forward to share their personal experiences. Among them are Nadia Brian, Zynakal, Sharifah Sakinah, Shuhada Shukri, and Ayu Hot FM.”
She emphasized that it’s important for the public to know that mental illness can happen to anyone. Therefore, patients should not be ashamed to seek appropriate help.
Special Campaign Website: ‘Besties, Pape Roger’
In addition to article content, videos, and special social media content for the campaign, OHBULAN! provides an exclusive website with an application 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.
For more information, please visit www.ohbulan.com/BestiesPapeRoger.