Not many people will understand or recognize the importance of caring for their mental health; some may not even realize they are experiencing mental health issues. Mental health issues can affect anyone, irrespective of age, race, or economic and social status or whether you live in rural or urban area. Due to cultural norms and stigma, mental health issues are often ignored and not openly discussed, leading many to avoid seeking help.
Ironically, seeking assistance and knowing that you are not alone is typically the initial step in addressing mental health and enhancing overall well-being. This is precisely why the PASAR BESTIES Bazaar, organized 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. The bazaar is scheduled for 18 and 19 May 2024, from 11 am to 6 pm, at the The School by Jaya One. It will showcase 13 participating brands, offer 6 specially curated workshops that are complimentary to participate, and feature over 30 vendors selling pre-loved and handmade items.
The National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2019 reported that half a million Malaysians were found to be experiencing symptoms of depression; with the highest prevalence found in: Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis, Sabah and Melaka. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) survey in 2022 revealed that one in four adolescents suffered from depression, compared to one in five in 2019.
Not only that, the World Health Organization classified burnout as a clinical syndrome brought on by chronic workplace stress in May 2019, signalling that this may be fully recognized as an occupational and work-related disease.
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, fulfillment and satisfaction to daily life, fostering a sense of purpose and meaning. Additionally, prioritizing mental health can reduce the risk of developing disorders like depression and anxiety.
Malaysia’s leading beauty and lifestyle KOL community believes that the platform and its members can play a pivotal role in raising awareness for mental health. “It’s okay not to be okay. The first step is to step out of your comfort zone and embrace happiness. When you’re feeling down, who do you turn to? 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 destress 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.”
