A talk on the topic of depression was held on 15 February, 2023. The talk was a collaboration between Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) and Befrienders Penang in hopes of increasing awareness of the effects of depression amongst the students here.
The talk was given to the students by the Outreach Director of Befrienders Penang, Ms. Saraspillay. The two-hour talk began with an exercise where the students were encouraged to recall events that had affected them emotionally and were asked to share them if they wished. Although none of the students were willing to share their experiences, they eventually warmed up to Ms. Saraspillay later into the talk.
In the talk, Ms. Saraspillay gave a brief explanation into what depression was and how students and staff could identify the symptoms or signs of depression that could be plaguing their peers. Some of these signs included dropping grades, loss of interest in what they were passionate for and feeling hopeless.
Through the explanation of Ms. Saraspillay, students were told that people who often experience depression were not in control of how they felt at the time. Instead, it is often due to the fact that those who are suffering from depression were involved with a traumatic experience, albeit emotional, physical or mental. And it is due to these traumas, that lead people with depression to end their own lives, thinking it would be better if they were gone. She mentioned that people who often go through depression should not be viewed with social stigma, but should instead be offered a helping hand.
Before the talk ended, students were also shown a role-playing session into the inner workings of how Befrienders Penang functions to help those who are not just going through depression but also those who are lonely and in despair.
The talk concluded with a gift giving ceremony between HCUC and Befrienders Penang. Students of HCUC were also advised to seek assistance if they were suffering or suspected of suffering from signs of depression either through HCUC’s counselors or call Befrienders Penang for help through their in-house hotline at 04-2910100, WhatsApp at 011-56706261, or email them at pat@befpen.org.
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