NOT many people will understand or recognise the importance of caring for their mental health; in fact, some may not even be aware that they are dealing with mental health problems.
Anyone can experience mental health problems, irrespective of age, race, economic and social status, or whether they live in rural or urban areas.
Many people avoid getting help since mental health issues are frequently disregarded and not freely acknowledged due to cultural norms and stigma.
Ironically, seeking assistance and knowing that you are not alone is typically the initial step in addressing mental health and enhancing overall wellbeing.
The 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey reported that half a million Malaysians were found to have depressive symptoms, with Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis, Sabah, and Melaka having the highest frequency.
According to the same poll conducted in 2022, one in four teenagers experienced depression, up from one in five in 2019.
Furthermore, in May 2019, the World Health Organization designated burnout as a clinical syndrome caused by ongoing work stress, indicating that burnout may eventually be acknowledged as a legitimate occupational and work-related illness.
Taking care of your mental health offers numerous benefits.
It helps in building emotional resilience, fostering healthy relationships, enhancing focus and concentration, and achieving goals.
It also brings more joy, fulfilment, and satisfaction to daily life, fostering a sense of purpose and meaning.
Additionally, prioritising mental health can reduce the risk of developing disorders like depression and anxiety.
This is precisely why the PASAR BESTIES Bazaar, organised by The Butterfly Project, a community platform, aims to foster conversations, offer a safe platform for addressing mental health, and raise awareness by collaborating with brands and partners.
Scheduled for today until tomorrow, the bazaar will run from 11am to 6pm at The School by Jaya One in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The event will showcase 13 participating brands, offer six specially curated workshops that are complimentary to participate in, and feature over 30 vendors selling pre-loved and handmade items.
Tammy Lim, the founder of The Butterfly Project, believed that her platform and its members could play a pivotal role in raising awareness about mental health.
“It’s okay not to be okay. The first step is to step out of your comfort zone and embrace happiness.
“Who do you turn to when you’re feeling down? Your best friend. Don’t have one? Make one!
“This is the theme of our event; you do not have to be alone. This event is not only about fun; it’s also an opportunity to de-stress and practice self-care, with a variety of self-care brands on board for this two-day event.
“It’s a place for people to connect, make new friends, or spend time with their besties,” she said.
Lim went on to explain that the event is a win-win situation for both the local community and businesses.
It promotes thrifting and reduces waste; the vendors who offer pre-loved items are members of the community, empowering them to become entrepreneurs.
Additionally, this event spreads happiness through fun, cheerful, and vibrant local brands.
“I also believe in our community of key opinion leaders (KOLs) to raise awareness and advocate for mental health by lending our voices and reaching out to our followers.
“I hope those around Petaling Jaya can join us at this bazaar, be happy, and find ways to improve your mental health. Most importantly, know that you are not alone in this battle,” she noted.
The participating brands in the bazaar include The Golden Duck, Fourteen Studio, Roots Malaysia, AvantGarde Blooms, Organic Lab, Sheeness, Minc.Care, Royal Bath & Co., Breeze For You, Kerlip, Kedai Mom, Absolute Yana, imsycraft, and Pressurini.
And here is what you can expect from the event:
- The Golden Duck Supermart Fest: You can join the snack launch and games to win big and bring home exciting prizes
- Mental Health Workshops by Minc.Care and Emotion Pod X Becky Kux
- Self-care and Essential Oils 101 Workshops by Roots Malaysia
- D.I.Y. Friendship Bracelet Workhops by Kerlip KL
- How to Use Menstrual Cup Workshop by Breeze For You
- Honey Tasting Workshop by Thousand O’Bee
- De-stress with a 10-minute shoulder massage for RM5 at Pressurini Spa
- Complimentary relaxing L’erbolario Hand Massage
- Contests to win Jurlique Treatments Giveaway and Organic Lab’s Beauty Bags; and
- Interesting self-care booths to visit, such as D.I.Y. your own flower bouquet by AvantGarde Blooms and make your own inhaler by Roots Malaysia.
“So, bring your besties to this bazaar, participate in the free workshops, and shop till your heart’s content as we raise awareness about mental health this May,” said Lim.
For more information about this bazaar and its programme, participating brands, and details, visit The Butterfly Project’s Instagram account at butterflyproject.my.
Those who wish to attend the event can register for the free workshops by clicking the link provided on the Instagram account.
On another note, The Butterfly Project highly recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms such as depressed mood, loss of interest and enjoyment, reduced concentration, lowered self-esteem, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and disturbed sleep and appetite consult their doctors, as they can provide proper guidance and support tailored to each individual’s needs.
