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GILA: A Journey Through Moods & Madness
The young man convinced he's being tailed by spies; the mother helping her daughter overcome the voices in her head; the psychiatrist freeing his patients from the chains that bind them (literally); the woman who believes she can walk on water ...
Here are the untold stories of the men and women living with mental illness in Malaysia, as well as those who love, care for, work with and fight for them. Filled with heart-wrenching personal stories, expert commentary, and helpful resources from patients, caregivers, psychologists, psychiatrists, volunteers and advocates, GILA offers a glimpse into a rarely seen or spoken-of world: the Malaysian mental health industry.
"This is a book that pulls no punches. Its provocative title immediately draws your attention to the complex and often challenging issues that face mental health service delivery in our country, and the author is bold, yet passionate in her approach ... A fascinating and thought-provoking book."
Dato' Dr Andrew Mohanraj, Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council, Ministry of Health Malaysia
Here are the untold stories of the men and women living with mental illness in Malaysia, as well as those who love, care for, work with and fight for them. Filled with heart-wrenching personal stories, expert commentary, and helpful resources from patients, caregivers, psychologists, psychiatrists, volunteers and advocates, GILA offers a glimpse into a rarely seen or spoken-of world: the Malaysian mental health industry.
"This is a book that pulls no punches. Its provocative title immediately draws your attention to the complex and often challenging issues that face mental health service delivery in our country, and the author is bold, yet passionate in her approach ... A fascinating and thought-provoking book."
Dato' Dr Andrew Mohanraj, Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council, Ministry of Health Malaysia
141 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
7 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 21, 2019
Wish I would've picked it up sooner :(
February 13, 2019
"Look at it as a blessing! Tell the world, I can talk to you about it now because I've gone through it. It makes you a better person. It's not karma, it's not something bad that you've done that you're being punished for."
Saw this book at Gerakbudaya Bookstore in Petaling Jaya earlier this month, and instantly I grabbed it. The title says it all, it is about mental illnesses and most of the cases in this book happened here in Malaysia except for one chapter that talks about disaster.
The author, Hanna Alkaf has written this beautifully. She approached the subject with no judgment, no stigma and grabbed it by the horn. Not poetic at all, she laced her words with facts and conversations with psychiatrists and psychologists. She knows and understand the mental illnesses issues here in Malaysia and so, this book is one part educational and another part is like storytelling.
As one of the mental illness (twice) survivor, I fully recommend this book to everyone. Send it as a gift, get it as a learning tool and keep it for reminder. Malaysians have a long way to go in breaking the ceiling about this, so we have to keep knocking every day.
"If you have the courage to arrive at this point in your life, to possess the power to decide your own fate, think of all the great things you can do. It's all in your hands."
Saw this book at Gerakbudaya Bookstore in Petaling Jaya earlier this month, and instantly I grabbed it. The title says it all, it is about mental illnesses and most of the cases in this book happened here in Malaysia except for one chapter that talks about disaster.
The author, Hanna Alkaf has written this beautifully. She approached the subject with no judgment, no stigma and grabbed it by the horn. Not poetic at all, she laced her words with facts and conversations with psychiatrists and psychologists. She knows and understand the mental illnesses issues here in Malaysia and so, this book is one part educational and another part is like storytelling.
As one of the mental illness (twice) survivor, I fully recommend this book to everyone. Send it as a gift, get it as a learning tool and keep it for reminder. Malaysians have a long way to go in breaking the ceiling about this, so we have to keep knocking every day.
"If you have the courage to arrive at this point in your life, to possess the power to decide your own fate, think of all the great things you can do. It's all in your hands."
October 6, 2022
Buku ini jadi pilihan kerana ingin membentuk kesedaran diri tentang kesihatan mental dan juga kerana ingin mendekati karya Hanna Alkaf.
Banyak perkara yang belum diketahui di sebalik jolokan ‘gila’ yang sering diberikan kepada penghidap penyakit jiwa – walaupun hal ini semakin kerap terlihat di media sosial.
Manakala bersangkutan Hanna, walaupun sudah lama terlihat namanya diangkat naik oleh beberapa media, ini ialah kesempatan pertama mengenali tulisan beliau.
Tidak sia-sia membaca karya ini kerana ia dihidangkan mesra pembaca. Gaya kewartawanan dalam penyampaian tulisannya juga menjadikan pembacaan lebih menarik bersulam fakta.
Antara sakit jiwa yang diceritakan panjang lebar dalam buku ini ialah skizofrenia dan gangguan bipolar. Sorotan ke rumah sakit jiwa dan pengalaman para doktor juga menyentuh hati. Penerimaan keluarga dan orang sekeliling pesakit adalah penting dalam menjamin kesejahteraan para pesakit ini.
Walaupun ramai yang mempersenda pesakit jiwa, ia tetap satu masalah kesihatan dan sosial yang tidak boleh dipandang enteng pada era ketika hidup seharian kian mencabar bagi sesiapa sahaja.
Banyak perkara yang belum diketahui di sebalik jolokan ‘gila’ yang sering diberikan kepada penghidap penyakit jiwa – walaupun hal ini semakin kerap terlihat di media sosial.
Manakala bersangkutan Hanna, walaupun sudah lama terlihat namanya diangkat naik oleh beberapa media, ini ialah kesempatan pertama mengenali tulisan beliau.
Tidak sia-sia membaca karya ini kerana ia dihidangkan mesra pembaca. Gaya kewartawanan dalam penyampaian tulisannya juga menjadikan pembacaan lebih menarik bersulam fakta.
Antara sakit jiwa yang diceritakan panjang lebar dalam buku ini ialah skizofrenia dan gangguan bipolar. Sorotan ke rumah sakit jiwa dan pengalaman para doktor juga menyentuh hati. Penerimaan keluarga dan orang sekeliling pesakit adalah penting dalam menjamin kesejahteraan para pesakit ini.
Walaupun ramai yang mempersenda pesakit jiwa, ia tetap satu masalah kesihatan dan sosial yang tidak boleh dipandang enteng pada era ketika hidup seharian kian mencabar bagi sesiapa sahaja.
August 7, 2020
Gila: A Journey Through Moods & Madness.
Oleh: Hanna Alkaf.
Buku yang berjudul Gila ini adalah sebuah buku yang membincangkan tentang masalah kecelaruan mental atau "Mental Disorder". Buku ini memberi maklumat tentang jenis-jenis kecelaruan mental dan juga rawatan-rawatan yang diperlukan.
Buku ini diselitkan dengan penceritaan dari responden-responden yang mengalami sendiri masalah kecelaruan mental. Selain itu, buku ini diselitkan juga dengan pandangan dari pakar-pakar yang terlibat di dalam memulihkan pesakit yang menghadapi kecelaruan mental.
Melalui dari pemahaman pembacaan, apa yang ingin disampaikan oleh buku ini adalah tentang bahayanya masalah kecelaruan mental ini. Ia dihadapi oleh pelbagai peringkat umur dan pelbagai lapisan masyarakat. Ia juga untuk membetulkan pandangan kita dan masyarakat terhadap kecelaruan mental ini. Ada sesetengah masyarakat tidak tahu atau tidak memahamai tentang kecelaruan mental dan gejala-gelaja yang ditunjukkan. Buku ini dapat memberi sedikit sebanyak pemahaman kita tentang masalah kecelaruan mental. Melalui pemahaman pembacaan, buku ini juga cuba menyedarkan masyarakat terhadap mereka yang mempunyai masalah kecelaruan mental ini, supaya tidak didiskriminasi kerana mereka memerlukan sokongan dari kita untuk pulih.
Oleh: Hanna Alkaf.
Buku yang berjudul Gila ini adalah sebuah buku yang membincangkan tentang masalah kecelaruan mental atau "Mental Disorder". Buku ini memberi maklumat tentang jenis-jenis kecelaruan mental dan juga rawatan-rawatan yang diperlukan.
Buku ini diselitkan dengan penceritaan dari responden-responden yang mengalami sendiri masalah kecelaruan mental. Selain itu, buku ini diselitkan juga dengan pandangan dari pakar-pakar yang terlibat di dalam memulihkan pesakit yang menghadapi kecelaruan mental.
Melalui dari pemahaman pembacaan, apa yang ingin disampaikan oleh buku ini adalah tentang bahayanya masalah kecelaruan mental ini. Ia dihadapi oleh pelbagai peringkat umur dan pelbagai lapisan masyarakat. Ia juga untuk membetulkan pandangan kita dan masyarakat terhadap kecelaruan mental ini. Ada sesetengah masyarakat tidak tahu atau tidak memahamai tentang kecelaruan mental dan gejala-gelaja yang ditunjukkan. Buku ini dapat memberi sedikit sebanyak pemahaman kita tentang masalah kecelaruan mental. Melalui pemahaman pembacaan, buku ini juga cuba menyedarkan masyarakat terhadap mereka yang mempunyai masalah kecelaruan mental ini, supaya tidak didiskriminasi kerana mereka memerlukan sokongan dari kita untuk pulih.
July 6, 2018
In GILA: A Journey Through Moods and Madness, Hanna takes you on a journey through mental illness in Malaysia, covering the four most prevalent types: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. She seems to cover the first two in more detail, most likely because depression and anxiety may also be symptoms/stem from them. It appears as if all are interrelated and interlinked.
I haven't read a non-fiction book other than writing craft books in a while, so Gila is a surprisingly easy and accessible book to read. Half the book is made up of personal anecdotes and the stories of various people who are struggling with--and hopefully winning against--their own minds. Hanna also offers commentary from local mental health professionals, including tips on how to tell if your mental health professional is right for you (it's really about your rapport) and what not to say to someone with a mental illness.
In a country where mental illness is increasing, care is still scarce, and talking about it is often taboo, this book is a good primer to both discover resources as well as to learn how to deal with friends and family in your life who struggle with their mental health.
I haven't read a non-fiction book other than writing craft books in a while, so Gila is a surprisingly easy and accessible book to read. Half the book is made up of personal anecdotes and the stories of various people who are struggling with--and hopefully winning against--their own minds. Hanna also offers commentary from local mental health professionals, including tips on how to tell if your mental health professional is right for you (it's really about your rapport) and what not to say to someone with a mental illness.
In a country where mental illness is increasing, care is still scarce, and talking about it is often taboo, this book is a good primer to both discover resources as well as to learn how to deal with friends and family in your life who struggle with their mental health.
August 9, 2017
It's a testament to Hanna Alkaf's writing that even though I'm having the worst reading slump of my life, I still managed to finish this book in a few days. I've always wanted to read this book when it came out out because a) I've always been interested in mental health issues and b) this book came out of freaking nowhere. I know Malaysian writers and there is a kind of fear about writing something that's completely different because you always feel pressured to "appeal to the masses". So, a serious non-fiction book about mental health and our country's mental health system is a hard sell, should be a hard sell, but all I heard were rave reviews. So what gives?
This book is a really good showcase of Hanna's writing skills: it shows her storytelling abilities which people are more familiar with through her fiction work but also, her journalistic experience as she went far and wide to cover a topic that is considered uncharted territory for most Malaysians. I consider myself as somebody who is aware about mental health and I'm still pretty surprised about some of the things I've learned in this book. It's a slim book and the writer even said that it focuses more on experiences and feelings of sufferers and their caretakers than an in-depth look into mental illness. But if there's any book that should start the frank conversation about mental illness in this country, it is this one. I would go as far as to say it is an essential read for everyone because not only it sheds light on several illnesses such as schizophrenia without sensationalising them but also on the various services and facilities available in the country. The book also turns to the reader by asking questions such as "what you should ask your doctor" etc, so that it normalises this kind of conversations for reluctant people.
From the perspective of the writing, I really like how this book is written. It is incredibly smart. It begins with some provocative vignettes about the experiences of individuals suffering from various mental illnesses. It does seem sensational at first and it definitely pulls me in like a magnet. This is the fiction writer part of Hanna that shines. However, the rest of the chapters delve into each individual's stories so you learn more about the person, the illness and different facets of mental health services available in Malaysia. So, instead of dedicating a chapter or two on the boring sober facts about mental health, the book packs it all in one smooth narrative flow that keeps the details fresh and not repetitive. Plus learning about the individuals and their circumstances really humanises the diagnosis.
Of course, this book is not perfect. I think somewhere nearing the end of the book, it is more facts and details-heavy. The book still centres around interviews but the last few chapters are dedicated to doctors and caretakers that may not appeal to most people. Still, these are necessary perspectives. It is easy to just take the juicy fascinating bits and ignore the hard reality around it. So, although I do appreciate it, it does take a bit of willpower to push through. Did I mention I'm in a slump? Yeah.
Also, I keep repeating the words "essential" and "necessary" but I really feel that this book could be even better with Hanna's own perspective. We do get a glimpse of it at the beginning of the book with the "Disclaimer" and "Introduction" but throughout the book itself, Hanna's personal views are kept away. I think this is the journalistic part that is a double-edged sword where you do want to be objective but that also means eliminating any personal opinions. I wish that we could see more of Hanna especially in the "Epilogue" because if there is anyone that could sum up this entire book, it's her. Reading Gila, I kept wondering how she felt communicating with all these individuals and having them open up to her. I wanted to see how her initial opinions changed or developed as she went on to visit these asylums and mental hospitals. I'm incredibly impressed with the amount of work and dedication done to see this book completed so I'm not taking that away but I also feel that this book would have moved on from "necessary" to something that's more personal.
Either way, Gila is a great read that we don't even know we needed! Have a go at it at least once because you'll never know when the details in this book could save a life. I am definitely keeping my copy on my shelf.
This book is a really good showcase of Hanna's writing skills: it shows her storytelling abilities which people are more familiar with through her fiction work but also, her journalistic experience as she went far and wide to cover a topic that is considered uncharted territory for most Malaysians. I consider myself as somebody who is aware about mental health and I'm still pretty surprised about some of the things I've learned in this book. It's a slim book and the writer even said that it focuses more on experiences and feelings of sufferers and their caretakers than an in-depth look into mental illness. But if there's any book that should start the frank conversation about mental illness in this country, it is this one. I would go as far as to say it is an essential read for everyone because not only it sheds light on several illnesses such as schizophrenia without sensationalising them but also on the various services and facilities available in the country. The book also turns to the reader by asking questions such as "what you should ask your doctor" etc, so that it normalises this kind of conversations for reluctant people.
From the perspective of the writing, I really like how this book is written. It is incredibly smart. It begins with some provocative vignettes about the experiences of individuals suffering from various mental illnesses. It does seem sensational at first and it definitely pulls me in like a magnet. This is the fiction writer part of Hanna that shines. However, the rest of the chapters delve into each individual's stories so you learn more about the person, the illness and different facets of mental health services available in Malaysia. So, instead of dedicating a chapter or two on the boring sober facts about mental health, the book packs it all in one smooth narrative flow that keeps the details fresh and not repetitive. Plus learning about the individuals and their circumstances really humanises the diagnosis.
Of course, this book is not perfect. I think somewhere nearing the end of the book, it is more facts and details-heavy. The book still centres around interviews but the last few chapters are dedicated to doctors and caretakers that may not appeal to most people. Still, these are necessary perspectives. It is easy to just take the juicy fascinating bits and ignore the hard reality around it. So, although I do appreciate it, it does take a bit of willpower to push through. Did I mention I'm in a slump? Yeah.
Also, I keep repeating the words "essential" and "necessary" but I really feel that this book could be even better with Hanna's own perspective. We do get a glimpse of it at the beginning of the book with the "Disclaimer" and "Introduction" but throughout the book itself, Hanna's personal views are kept away. I think this is the journalistic part that is a double-edged sword where you do want to be objective but that also means eliminating any personal opinions. I wish that we could see more of Hanna especially in the "Epilogue" because if there is anyone that could sum up this entire book, it's her. Reading Gila, I kept wondering how she felt communicating with all these individuals and having them open up to her. I wanted to see how her initial opinions changed or developed as she went on to visit these asylums and mental hospitals. I'm incredibly impressed with the amount of work and dedication done to see this book completed so I'm not taking that away but I also feel that this book would have moved on from "necessary" to something that's more personal.
Either way, Gila is a great read that we don't even know we needed! Have a go at it at least once because you'll never know when the details in this book could save a life. I am definitely keeping my copy on my shelf.
February 7, 2017
My book club had the pleasure of having Hanna Alkaf as one of our speakers for our first writing workshop. Initially, I wasn't familiar with the concept of creative non-fiction , but as the author explained further during the talk, I become more interested, especially it involves a taboo topic.
What I Liked: The short stories that are told by patients in the book gives us a whole new perspective on how mental illness is handled by society and the government, also the challenges faced by the patient. With these stories, the author includes some facts and figures about the current situation that is happening in Malaysia so that the reader can learn more. The additional information provided sometimes scares me, because it really shows the lack of treatment and lack of investment by government towards mental illness patients.
What I disliked: I feel that this book did not give more stories where mental illness patient has a happy ending..some of them has an OK ending. I guess the author did it to emphasise that mental illness patient is still being mistreated nowadays... sigh
What I Liked: The short stories that are told by patients in the book gives us a whole new perspective on how mental illness is handled by society and the government, also the challenges faced by the patient. With these stories, the author includes some facts and figures about the current situation that is happening in Malaysia so that the reader can learn more. The additional information provided sometimes scares me, because it really shows the lack of treatment and lack of investment by government towards mental illness patients.
What I disliked: I feel that this book did not give more stories where mental illness patient has a happy ending..some of them has an OK ending. I guess the author did it to emphasise that mental illness patient is still being mistreated nowadays... sigh
March 17, 2022
A very informative book shining light on mental health issues in Malaysia. The book covers the experiences of those afflicted by all sorts of mental illness, the current situation in Malaysia (2016) based on statistics, the differences between psychology and psychiatry, the expectations on psychologists and psychiatrists and even mentall illness among the homeless.
For a short book, it is packed with lots of information and very easy to read. Even though it is a non-fiction touching a sensitive and heavy topic, it's not dry at all and was not in any way triggering (as books on mental health usually are) for me.
For a short book, it is packed with lots of information and very easy to read. Even though it is a non-fiction touching a sensitive and heavy topic, it's not dry at all and was not in any way triggering (as books on mental health usually are) for me.
June 13, 2017
4.8 Stars
It was a very good read. I like all the stories and facts given in this book; some hit too close to home, so relatable. I wish to read more of this kind of book. I'm actually speechless at the moment, no words seem right enough to be written here so I'll stop now.
Thank you for taking your time to do proper research and collecting stories for this book, Hanna. Your efforts are admirable. Keep it up. <3
Read
March 2, 2017Living with people who has mentally ill is really challenging. really. But in our society keep discriminate peoples who having problem with their mental. It kind of taboo to our society. some call the people who having schizo is possessed by demon or being punished by God because their own act. How you could say that to people? they don't even want to get sick. In fact, some of them really don't know that they are sick and seriously need to get treatment.
this brought me to read about this book. Bought at Gerak Budaya.
I admit that the title of this book quite provocative but that work to grab attention of people to know more about the book. The illustration quite horror for me, its something that trigger my sense resulting to get attach this book and finish it within one day (24hours without sleep)
one word for this book - Interesting ! :)
actually I do searching some psychology reading that is not so academic theme, it will make me more easier to understand, and I have few other books about psychology since I interested to know about it. haha seriously I can't finish the other books due to too much academic terms that very strange for me. This book is quite good for people who just want to know about mental illness regardless each people study background.
this brought me to read about this book. Bought at Gerak Budaya.
I admit that the title of this book quite provocative but that work to grab attention of people to know more about the book. The illustration quite horror for me, its something that trigger my sense resulting to get attach this book and finish it within one day (24hours without sleep)
one word for this book - Interesting ! :)
actually I do searching some psychology reading that is not so academic theme, it will make me more easier to understand, and I have few other books about psychology since I interested to know about it. haha seriously I can't finish the other books due to too much academic terms that very strange for me. This book is quite good for people who just want to know about mental illness regardless each people study background.
October 7, 2017
I like the book as it bring us into the world of psychosis. I'm a paramedic in general which worked in government few years back. So I have basic understanding of the flow about how the treatment will be initiated to a mentally ill patient. When reading this book, I am expecting that the author would dive deeper into twisted mind of mental patients. I have no issues with the details about ratios,prevalence and stuffs. But I expected that the author could probably concluded what eventually happen to some of the patient as I am very fascinated to understand and feel the world from the patients point of view and how they cope with their condition. Some of the case presented really interesting. I also learnt that there is Disaster Psychiatrist exist in this field. Overall, this is a good book and I enjoy reading it. 5 stars given :)
December 18, 2019
Idk why but this took a long time to read when it was such a thin book and it was relatively easy to read. Blame it on my distractedness. It's probably a year now.
This was actually the first book I got from Hanna Alkaf. I think I was curious about the subject matter and surprised that Malaysia actually published a book on mental illness. I can't imagine the amount of interviews she had to go through to get this book done, with the people having their conditions and the people doing their utmost to make a difference.
There are also parts like what not to say to someone having a mental illness and differences between some o the conditions. It's not an all encompassing book but it is a pretty good primer on mental illness in Malaysia. Which we need more of considering many mental health resources that are available are mostly US-based.
This was actually the first book I got from Hanna Alkaf. I think I was curious about the subject matter and surprised that Malaysia actually published a book on mental illness. I can't imagine the amount of interviews she had to go through to get this book done, with the people having their conditions and the people doing their utmost to make a difference.
There are also parts like what not to say to someone having a mental illness and differences between some o the conditions. It's not an all encompassing book but it is a pretty good primer on mental illness in Malaysia. Which we need more of considering many mental health resources that are available are mostly US-based.
September 9, 2022
Such a good book to introduce mental health issues to those that is unfamiliar with it.
The book was written in a really structured format. Brief introduction which then turned into in-depth chapters in the book that finishes the stories from the introduction.
I also appreciate the use of simple words to get readers to understand rather than more confused on the issues. Especially with our South East Asian background and mentality that always to have to relate the causes of everything bad back to not being religious.
Obviously, there is more to mental health issues than this book. But, as mentioned, this is a really good reference to start with for anyone that wants to start to understand more about the topic.
The book was written in a really structured format. Brief introduction which then turned into in-depth chapters in the book that finishes the stories from the introduction.
I also appreciate the use of simple words to get readers to understand rather than more confused on the issues. Especially with our South East Asian background and mentality that always to have to relate the causes of everything bad back to not being religious.
Obviously, there is more to mental health issues than this book. But, as mentioned, this is a really good reference to start with for anyone that wants to start to understand more about the topic.
March 23, 2024
Buku ini banyak buka mata pelbagai pihak terutamanya untuk menggalakkan lebih ramai lagi orang tahu tentang sakit mental dan mengurangkan stigma sakit mental ini dalam kalangan komuniti. Saya bersetuju dengan penulis, banyak lagi usaha-usaha yang perlu dibuat untuk membantu para stakeholder untuk menghadapi stigma-stigma masyarakat terhadap pesakit mental.
Buku ini bahasanya mudah, untuk beginner reader seperti saya, sangatlah senang untuk saya sendiri memahami segala apa yang penulis nukilkan terutama tentang rasa, perasaan, stigma para pesakit mental di malaysia. This book is a gem. Totally late to read this but hey one step at the time :).
Keep up with your good work!
Buku ini bahasanya mudah, untuk beginner reader seperti saya, sangatlah senang untuk saya sendiri memahami segala apa yang penulis nukilkan terutama tentang rasa, perasaan, stigma para pesakit mental di malaysia. This book is a gem. Totally late to read this but hey one step at the time :).
Keep up with your good work!
November 25, 2018
This slim volume is basically a mini textbook about mental illness in Malaysia, and it seems very well researched and composed. Alkaf carefully combines personal anecdotes from Malaysian individuals who have struggled with mental illness, expertise from mental health professionals, facts and figures, and advice for readers into this compact package. I found it to be a great place to start learning, and Alkaf's passion for the topic was a valuable companion to reading some hard stuff.
November 15, 2021
Telling stories about mental health from mental health fighter and doctors perspective, what we should do and what should know about mental health.
Mental health was a taboo couple years back, but through times, people now started to raise the awareness and a lot of still ignorance. How we support other patients, that's how we treat mental health diseases. Crazy (gila) is not a term to refer for the fighters.
Mental health was a taboo couple years back, but through times, people now started to raise the awareness and a lot of still ignorance. How we support other patients, that's how we treat mental health diseases. Crazy (gila) is not a term to refer for the fighters.
September 13, 2019
There’s so much about mental health in real life that you don’t learn about in your psychology classes because there’s no way for a class to be able to cover such a breadth of experience, especially a class with a focus on Western practices and theory. I’ve wanted to read this for a while bc it’s more in line with what I believe is needed of psychology and psychiatry and it didn’t disappoint.
June 21, 2023
Buku yang menyentuh tema kesihatan mental ini ditulis dengan menggabungkan pengalaman para pesakit, ahli keluarga, dan doktor psikiatri, dengan fakta-fakta sekitar masalah mental.
Satu bacaan santai tetapi informatif yang diharap mampu memberi kesedaran dan juga mengurangkan stigma terhadap mereka yang diuji dengan masalah mental ini.
Karya yang perlu dibaca oleh semua lapisan masyarakat.
Satu bacaan santai tetapi informatif yang diharap mampu memberi kesedaran dan juga mengurangkan stigma terhadap mereka yang diuji dengan masalah mental ini.
Karya yang perlu dibaca oleh semua lapisan masyarakat.
October 9, 2020
buku yang memaparkan kisah sebenar mereka yang mengalami depression dan anxiety. pembaca terhidang dengan cerita bagaimana anxiety boleh bermula dan cara untuk mengawalnya. sungguh, ia sejenis penyakit yang tidak nampak lukanya.
Want to read
April 20, 2022After much scrounging on the internet and pitifully refreshing tracking screens, this arrived earlier in the month and I'm saving it to read after finals! Very interested in this discussion of mental health and culture.
April 27, 2019
Leisure and informational. A good start to take a peek in the world of mental illnesses.
April 15, 2020
A very good discussion about mental issues in Malaysia setting. Recommended read for mental health practitioners, advocates and every Malaysians.
March 31, 2021
Opinions and stories from different perspectives of role on mental illness in Malaysia. A must read.
December 3, 2021
3.5 stars. This is a difficult book to read. I read it while I was in PKRC undergoing covid treatment. Nearly cost me my sanity. I think I’ll go with something light and easy after this
April 24, 2022
💭"If you take away the illness, I'm still a person. See me for who I am. See the personality, see the humour. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
Decided to read something closer to home, and ooh... Does it hit home. This book talks about how mental illness is perceived in Malaysia, and the struggles all people involved have to go through. Not just the patients, but the medical officers and also the caregivers, who a lot of people don't actually take note of.
There are the grim parts of how talking about mental illnesses is still a taboo in our society, the low number of patients due to unreported cases and medical officers working in this field, as well as public reception of this matter. But there are also the bit of the brighter parts of this. How the patients overcome their illness in various ways; how they don't give up, alone or with supports; the supports that come either with people around (or not) them, faith and themselves.
This book is an eye-opener for this situation in Malaysia, and definitely a good read to kickstart your understanding on this matter.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Originally posted at ReadingDyad as Miracchin.
November 28, 2016
"Gila" is not an uncommon word in our daily life. To many of us, it may simply means a moment of moodiness. But what were demonstrated in this book is much more than the normal up-and-down that we have in mind.
This book is indeed an eye opener, given how the public underestimated the prevalence of mental illness. The case studies discussed in this book only revealed tip of the iceberg. In fact, the actual number of people living with mental illness remains unknown, due to the fact that "Gila" is a social stigma that people tend to shy away. Also, in term of the provision of public medical support, as well as awareness on mental health, our government has a long way to go.
Dr Andrew Mohanraj (Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council) had lamented that despite how often he is called upon by other governments for his expertise, MH370 was the only time to date he was called to support his home country.
"I have offered my services for the National Disaster Council, but so far i have not been called to offer my expertise to the council."
"Strange, because after the flood in Johor many years ago and lately after the Kelantan flood, i would have thought that psychosocial needs would have been highlighted."
According to poll on National Health and Morbidity 2011, at least 1 in 10 Malaysians will face some kind mental ailment in their life time. Hence, i considered my self to be lucky to stay out of the statistic, given how vulnerable we are to the increased number of stressors in the society that we are living today.
Nevertheless, it is important to ensure the health and wellbeing of ourselves, and not forgotten to give appropriate attention to our significant others.
This book is indeed an eye opener, given how the public underestimated the prevalence of mental illness. The case studies discussed in this book only revealed tip of the iceberg. In fact, the actual number of people living with mental illness remains unknown, due to the fact that "Gila" is a social stigma that people tend to shy away. Also, in term of the provision of public medical support, as well as awareness on mental health, our government has a long way to go.
Dr Andrew Mohanraj (Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council) had lamented that despite how often he is called upon by other governments for his expertise, MH370 was the only time to date he was called to support his home country.
"I have offered my services for the National Disaster Council, but so far i have not been called to offer my expertise to the council."
"Strange, because after the flood in Johor many years ago and lately after the Kelantan flood, i would have thought that psychosocial needs would have been highlighted."
According to poll on National Health and Morbidity 2011, at least 1 in 10 Malaysians will face some kind mental ailment in their life time. Hence, i considered my self to be lucky to stay out of the statistic, given how vulnerable we are to the increased number of stressors in the society that we are living today.
Nevertheless, it is important to ensure the health and wellbeing of ourselves, and not forgotten to give appropriate attention to our significant others.
March 29, 2020
I was interested in getting this book because of the author, Hanna Alkaf.
When I read #TheWeightOfOurSky (TWOOS), I did wonder how come the author seems to be so knowledgeable about OCD and managed to describe Melati's condition convincingly.
Through this book, we learnt that both this book and TWOOS are very well-researched books. The research made by the author is commendable. 👏👏👏
If TWOOS is a fiction, this book is a non-fiction. It's a compilation of articles related to psychology and mental health.
This book is written in a journalistic style where the author conducts interviews and tells the stories of mental health professionals as well as the mental health patients. And being Hanna Alkaf, her talent in storytelling makes this book an interesting read.
In comparison to #AkuDijangkitiKehidupan, although the objective of both books is similar, I think this book covers a lot more aspects of mental health in Malaysia.
For example, the topics that I found interesting and unique to this book are the disaster psychiatry and a glimpse into Malaysia's mental institutions.
However, in reference to Chapter 7, 'Dancing With Death', the author should be more careful in her writing.
At the end of the chapter, the author quoted a statement from someone who used to have suicidal thoughts which is incorrect about Prophet Muhammad SAW.
The least that the author or the editor can do is to put a remark to clarify that statement in footnotes. Whatever that is ascribed to Prophet Muhammad SAW must come from authentic sources.
Overall, it's a good book and should be read by many to increase the awareness and understanding towards mental health among our society especially in Malaysia.
When I read #TheWeightOfOurSky (TWOOS), I did wonder how come the author seems to be so knowledgeable about OCD and managed to describe Melati's condition convincingly.
Through this book, we learnt that both this book and TWOOS are very well-researched books. The research made by the author is commendable. 👏👏👏
If TWOOS is a fiction, this book is a non-fiction. It's a compilation of articles related to psychology and mental health.
This book is written in a journalistic style where the author conducts interviews and tells the stories of mental health professionals as well as the mental health patients. And being Hanna Alkaf, her talent in storytelling makes this book an interesting read.
In comparison to #AkuDijangkitiKehidupan, although the objective of both books is similar, I think this book covers a lot more aspects of mental health in Malaysia.
For example, the topics that I found interesting and unique to this book are the disaster psychiatry and a glimpse into Malaysia's mental institutions.
However, in reference to Chapter 7, 'Dancing With Death', the author should be more careful in her writing.
At the end of the chapter, the author quoted a statement from someone who used to have suicidal thoughts which is incorrect about Prophet Muhammad SAW.
The least that the author or the editor can do is to put a remark to clarify that statement in footnotes. Whatever that is ascribed to Prophet Muhammad SAW must come from authentic sources.
Overall, it's a good book and should be read by many to increase the awareness and understanding towards mental health among our society especially in Malaysia.
January 4, 2017
As stated on the back of the book, GILA was to be a book which compiles stories of people with mental-illnesses and how it affects their lives. Frankly, that was what pushed me to get this book apart from the fact that I thought I should give Malaysian books a try. I had always wanted to read more about mental-illnesses in Malaysia and since it’s not exactly a popular topic in this country, this book was really a rare find for me.
Apart from telling about the experiences of those living and struggling with mental-illnesses, the author also interviewed their caregivers and doctors as well. She explores the many problems and stigmas faced by those diagnosed with mental-illnesses as well as some introduction to the many different types of mental illness.
Reading this book really did open my eyes to just how many people out there in this very country who just might be struggling alone because of the lack of understanding and sympathy of society about mental-illnesses. Not only that, there was also a chapter in the book on suicide which actually frightened me, especially when I thought about a past incident where I knew someone who committed suicide. GILA made me think about the fragility of humans and how everyone needs someone to listen to and also how the society needs to be educated to not judge people with mental-illness as if they are not human when in fact they are just like us, but only struggling with certain specific problems.
Apart from telling about the experiences of those living and struggling with mental-illnesses, the author also interviewed their caregivers and doctors as well. She explores the many problems and stigmas faced by those diagnosed with mental-illnesses as well as some introduction to the many different types of mental illness.
Reading this book really did open my eyes to just how many people out there in this very country who just might be struggling alone because of the lack of understanding and sympathy of society about mental-illnesses. Not only that, there was also a chapter in the book on suicide which actually frightened me, especially when I thought about a past incident where I knew someone who committed suicide. GILA made me think about the fragility of humans and how everyone needs someone to listen to and also how the society needs to be educated to not judge people with mental-illness as if they are not human when in fact they are just like us, but only struggling with certain specific problems.
September 7, 2016
"Similarly, Hanna’s exploration of asylums in forensic wards for mental illness in places like Hospital Bahagia in Tanjung Rambutan, Perak, shows that even modern medical treatments are tainted by a legacy of abuse and outright brutality and violence.
These closing chapters address the issue of the institutionalisation of the criminal and the homeless, which is probably vast enough an area to be addressed in a separate book devoted just to this particular topic.
It is shocking and heart-rending, as when we learn that cheap labour is obtained from patients in forensic wards, who are paid RM1 a day to raise crops on land or RM3 a day to work in the hospital canteen.
One of the first female directors at Hospital Bahagia since its inception in 1911, Dr Ruby (in full, Dr Hajjah Rabai’ah Mohd Salleh) highlights these solutions as a sign of how the hospital helps its patients reintegrate into society, but one wonders if reintegration is primarily based on the premise of who is able to earn a living."
An excerpt of my review of GILA in The Star.
These closing chapters address the issue of the institutionalisation of the criminal and the homeless, which is probably vast enough an area to be addressed in a separate book devoted just to this particular topic.
It is shocking and heart-rending, as when we learn that cheap labour is obtained from patients in forensic wards, who are paid RM1 a day to raise crops on land or RM3 a day to work in the hospital canteen.
One of the first female directors at Hospital Bahagia since its inception in 1911, Dr Ruby (in full, Dr Hajjah Rabai’ah Mohd Salleh) highlights these solutions as a sign of how the hospital helps its patients reintegrate into society, but one wonders if reintegration is primarily based on the premise of who is able to earn a living."
An excerpt of my review of GILA in The Star.
October 7, 2016
Despite the fact that so many of its sufferers are crying for help, mental illness remains a little-understood issue in Malaysia. GILA shines much needed light on the subject by providing insight into the challenges local psychiatrists and psychologists face in a concise and easy-to-read manner.
I for one was shocked to read about the extent of our country's ignorance of the matter, especially in the sections pertaining to the inhumane treatment of patients in places like Hospital Bahagia (never again will I make an off-the-cuff Tanjung Rambutan joke).
Most importantly, Hanna Alkaf's emphasis on humanising the subject shines through personal accounts by those struggling to cope with mental health issues and their loved ones. The book also provides extensive and helpful guidelines on the whats, whys and hows of dealing with such situations. In short, a must-read for those seeking to understand the reality of Malaysia's mental healthcare system.
I for one was shocked to read about the extent of our country's ignorance of the matter, especially in the sections pertaining to the inhumane treatment of patients in places like Hospital Bahagia (never again will I make an off-the-cuff Tanjung Rambutan joke).
Most importantly, Hanna Alkaf's emphasis on humanising the subject shines through personal accounts by those struggling to cope with mental health issues and their loved ones. The book also provides extensive and helpful guidelines on the whats, whys and hows of dealing with such situations. In short, a must-read for those seeking to understand the reality of Malaysia's mental healthcare system.
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