Human Spectrum (Stigma Reduction & Silent Struggles)

Concept:
Everyone exists on a daily fluctuating mental health spectrum. Some quietly struggle, appearing fine externally but battling internally. Empathy bridges us to those who are hurting.

Strategic Partner Perspective:

Yayasan Dee Hati : “The power of grief… one simple word describing one’s experiences of loss yet embodies the oceans of emotions that ensue it.”

Interactive Module: Characters Within Us & the “Silent Crack”

Activities:

1. Character Brainstorm: Identify emotions of Azimat characters (“desperate,” “hopeful,” “confused,” “lonely”).
2. Empathy Introduction: Recognize that grief encompasses an ocean of emotions. Empathy doesn’t fix or judge, but simply accompanies those in pain.
3. Silent Line Activity: Arrange participants silently by how often they experience certain emotions. Discuss subtle signs of hidden struggles.

Facilitator Reflection: Recognize different emotional “actors” around us, enabling empathy rather than judgment.

Language Matters (Education, Tokens of Hope & Suicide Prevention)

Concept: Words can heal or harm. External symbols of hope can stabilize or destabilize us. Community-based interventions save lives.

Strategic Partner Perspectives:

• Teduh Jiwa Counseling & Consultancy: “HeART SPACE therapy sessions combine artistic expression with strengthening Sarawak’s creative landscape.”
• MENTARI Bintulu : Promotes community-based intervention, responsible reporting, and suicide prevention awareness.

Interactive Module: Expressive Art, Rewriting the Script, & Building a Safety Net

Introduction:

Participants will be divided into two groups:

• 50 participants will take part in the HeART Space activity.
• 50 participants will participate in the Flip the Script session.

Participants are required to select and register for their preferred activity through the Google Form provided prior to the workshop.

Activities :

Activity 1 – Tokens of Hope & Responsible Communication

1. i) HeART Space – Facilitator : Teduh Jiwa : As outlined in the Coping Tools Kit prepared by Teduh Jiwa, one of the expressive and creative coping strategies is art-based expression drawing, painting, or colouring freely without judgment.

Interactive Element:

An art kit will be provided to each participant. During the 30-minute session, participants will be encouraged to express their emotions and thoughts through drawing, painting, or colouring, allowing them to explore their feelings in a safe and creative way.

1. ii) Flip the Script – Facilitator : MENTARI Bintulu : The facilitator presents a hypothetical scenario from Azimat, where a friend approaches Hanna. Participants are first shown a for example:
   “You’re being ridiculous with that ‘azimat’. Just wake up and face reality!”

Interactive Element

Fifty participants will then be invited to rewrite the script by answering the question:
“What could the friend have said instead?”

This activity leads into a short learning segment on responsible communication and just as the media should report on suicide sensitively focusing on hope, help, and recovery rather than sensational details, we must also learn to communicate with care in our personal conversations.

When a friend is struggling, our role is not to dismiss or amplify their pain, but to listen with empathy and understanding.

Through this activity, participants learn how thoughtful language can create a safe space for someone experiencing emotional distress and encourage supportive dialogue rather than judgment.

At the same time, through this activity ALEC model will also be introduce:

Activity 2 – Building a Safety Net (Facilitator – Mentari Bintulu)

• Safety Net Web Activity: Participants create a physical web representing community support, linking warning signs to collective action.
• Quick Sharing Session – Responsible reporting and suicide prevention