OBJECTIVE
Unmask Your Wounds is a student-led digital campaign that aims to address the issue of Mental Health especially among the Differently-Abled community. This campaign is led by a group of five Final Year Public Relations and Marketing students at Taylor’s University and supervised by Mr. Philip Gan Chee Keat, lecturer of the Professional Media Workshop module.
With the vision of “Unmasking Stories and Connecting Lives” of those with Mental Health challenges and as well as the Differently-Abled, Unmask Your Wounds aims to create an understanding and accepting Malaysian community.
TEAM
Who We Are
YEOH KING LIM
Team Lead
I would say that mental health is a very important aspect of life. If one’s mental health is not at its shape, it would deeply affect their life too. Being born different, I was sometimes laughed at for my physical appearance even by people younger than me. It became the norm of my life. All those sadness, grudge, and anger were all kept within me as I was scared to voice out.
I strongly believe that mental health for the differently-abled is as important as anyone else as they are sometimes criticized for how they look, or how they behave. I hope that I could embark on this campaign, to raise awareness to the general public on the importance of mental health in the differently-abled community, their caregivers, while don’t be afraid to speak out or seek help.
JANICE CHAI
Public Relations
I’ve always been one who advocates for positivity. It was only until I heard the term “toxic positivity” when I realized the importance of acknowledging our mental health state, and not suppressing it. As an active student leader, there were times where I felt so burnt out. I kept reminding myself to never put myself in such a situation again, as it sucks to feel that way.
I know there are people out there who have experienced worse. I’ve had friends coming to me to share their mental health challenges. I admit that it’s impossible for me to truly understand what they’re facing. Thus, through #UnmaskYourWounds, I hope that no one would walk this journey alone.
CLARA TEO
Public Relations
I would say one’s mental health should come before anything else. It is also essential to survive and compete in the current society we live in now. When I was younger I didn’t understand my struggles were related to my own mental health. My mental health worsens as I grow and I cope with it in an unhealthy way by turning to alcohol, cigarettes, hurting myself, staying out late etc. At that time, I felt numb and paralyzed as if I was just existing instead of living.
Now more than ever, I am determined to keep learning, keep growing and keep loving myself while giving my life a purpose. Hence, I am proud to be part of this campaign #UnmaskYourWounds to empower the different-abled community that they are unique just the way they are and that they are not alone.
STEPH TAN
Designer
Even today, the importance of mental health does not get the attention it should. Having to go through the darkest phase in my life, when I suffered from a total of five suicidal thoughts alone in the year 2019, I definitely understand how difficult it is for individuals with poor mental health to reach out for help. With the thought of the challenges and pressures faced by differently-abled individuals and their caregivers, I could not imagine their hardship in managing their mental wellness that is ten times or greater than mine. Hence, through this campaign ‘Unmask Your Wounds’, I am honoured and happy to play a role, big or small, along with my friends in reaching out to the individuals including differently-abled individuals and the general public with support, empowerment, and education.
“You think the only people who are people, are the people who look and think like you. But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew you never knew"