I'm Still Human: Understanding Depression With Kindness (Expanded Edition - 2021)

• 7. It’s OK not to use the word ‘depression.’ Let them know that
we are seeking help for sleep difficulty, poor appetite, body aches,
tiredness, poor concentration, etc – which are part and parcel of
depression. Also consider the use of other more acceptable terms,
e.g. ‘emotional flu’ or ‘severe stress,’ or ‘mood disorder.’
• 8. Educate them that they will not be sent to a psychiatric
institution, e.g. Hospital Bahagia (previously known as Hospital
Tanjung Rambutan). The majority of patients in Hospital Bahagia
suffer from schizophrenia - not depression. Schizophrenia is a much
more serious mental illness characterized by hallucinations (e.g.
hearing invisible voices), delusions (e.g. false belief that people
want to harm them), disorganized speech (e.g. talking non-sense),
and disorganized behavior (e.g. walking around naked).
• 9. Remind them that whatever they tell the doctor is kept strictly
confidential. No clinical information will be released without a
patient’s consent, unless in emergency situations (e.g. suicide). Be
aware of social stigma - don’t unnecessarily reveal information to
friends, family, neighbors or colleagues.
• 10. At the moment in Malaysia, no insurance policy covers
psychiatric treatment. If financial constraint is a concern, seek help
from mental health services in government hospitals. The total
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