Joan Low of the digital mental wellness platform Thoughtfull shares insights on ways to support others who are experiencing poor mental health
Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall health and well-being—and fundamentally a human right. Maintaining good mental health enables us to connect, function, cope and flourish.
The state of mental health in Asia is intricate and varied, with notable differences from one country and culture to another. Cultural, social and economic factors significantly shape the perception and approach to the matter in the region.
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A 2023 study by insurance broker Aon and health technology company Telus Health found that four out of five employees in Asia are at high risk of experiencing poor mental health. This could manifest as low work productivity, anxiety and depression. Yet the World Health Organization (WHO) finds that mental health systems in the region and globally face significant gaps and imbalances in information and research, governance, resources and services.
Hoping to plug some of these holes in Malaysia is ThoughtFull, a digital mental health startup founded by Gen.T honouree Joan Low.
A former analyst and associate banker at JP Morgan, Low left the finance industry to pursue her passion for helping others manage their mental and emotional well-being. Through its app and non-app-based solutions, her company hopes to make mental healthcare accessible and affordable for all and normalise the idea of seeking professional help and treatment.
How can our mental health affect our ability to communicate effectively?
Joan Low (JL): Communication is a key skill that helps us connect, share and express ourselves, but some of us may face communication challenges due to mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Anxiety can make people fearful or nervous, affecting their focus and calmness. Depression can make people feel sad and uninterested, affecting their energy and motivation. These conditions can vary in how they affect each person; some may cope better than others.
Communication is not only about words but also about personality, culture, context and emotion. So we should be kind and supportive of those who struggle with mental health and communication issues.
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How can we recognise the signs and symptoms of poor mental health in ourselves or others?
JL: Pay attention to your or the person sharing their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and try to take notice of any changes that could indicate a problem. For example, we may feel more anxious, sad or irritable than usual or have trouble sleeping, concentrating or making decisions. We may also withdraw from social activities or have difficulty coping with stress.
If we notice any of these changes, we must take steps to care for ourselves. This could be talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking professional help or making lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep.
Our mental health can affect our physical health. We might experience headaches, muscle tension or sleep problems that won’t go away. These symptoms are our body’s way of telling us something is wrong.