Reflective Blog: "Terasing" – A Glimpse into Invisible Struggles

Event Attended:
“Terasing: A Mental Health Awareness Education Theatre Show”
Date: 26 May 2025
Venue: Main Auditorium, IIUM Gombak
Organizers: CCSC IIUM, IIUM Gombak Peers, Juragan Pentas

As part of my journey to engage with initiatives related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), I attended a theatre show titled "Terasing". The word "terasing" means "isolated" in Malay—aptly capturing the emotional undertones of the performance. The play, directed by Mustakim Mazlan, tackles the often-silenced struggles of individuals living within dysfunctional families, touching heavily on the topic of mental health and social stigma.

The story revolves around a family trying to survive in the shadows of trauma: a mother working as a cleaner, worn down by stress and poverty; a drug-addicted father whose choices spiral into abuse; a daughter forced into sex work by the very person meant to protect her; and a younger sister bullied at school for reasons beyond her control.

Watching this unfold on stage was harrowing. The heavy subject matter was delivered through compelling acting and clever stage direction, often switching between scenes of silence and chaos to reflect the mental states of the characters. The quote on the poster—"Riuh itu penawar, aku perlu nampak wujud" ("Noise is the remedy; I need to be seen")—echoes a powerful message: to be acknowledged is a form of healing.

This performance directly ties into SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to promote mental health awareness. It also subtly highlights SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, especially as it illustrates how children from underprivileged backgrounds are disproportionately affected by systemic neglect and abuse. Moreover, using theatre as an educational platform speaks to SDG 4: Quality Education, showing that learning does not always take place in a classroom—it can happen in a dark auditorium through shared empathy and storytelling.

Reflective Essay: Emptiness Unveiled — From Disconnection to Self-Discovery

Attending the Mental Health Seminar at IIUM on May 23rd was more than just a date on my calendar — it became a quiet turning point in how I perceive my own inner world. Titled “Emptiness Unveiled: From Disconnection to Self-Discovery,” the seminar was a reminder that feelings of emptiness aren’t signs of weakness.

Throughout the day, I listened to powerful insights from speakers like Mr. Saiful Redza Mohamed and Dr. Pamilia Lourdunathan, who didn’t just speak at us, but spoke to the parts of us we often silence. Their words helped me understand that disconnection isn’t something to be feared — it’s a space where self-reflection can begin. It was especially comforting to hear from people who’ve worked with mental health firsthand and could translate theory into empathy.

The atmosphere was warm and inclusive. Being in a room full of people who were willing to acknowledge their inner struggles gave me a strange, comforting sense of unity.

What I took away from the seminar was this: healing doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes, it’s sitting quietly in a room and realizing you’re allowed to feel. That emptiness isn’t a void — it’s a starting point.

At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The idea of sitting in a group and talking about inner doubts felt a bit scary. But the moment I saw the phrase “Come sit with us, group counseling is a space to be real, be seen, and begin again,” something in me softened. It sounded like a safe place to just... exist.

What struck me most was how universal the feeling of self-doubt is. The session reminded me that questioning our worth doesn't make us weak—it makes us human. Through the gentle guidance of Sr Maisarah and Sr Alya, I realized that self-love isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being kind to yourself on the days you feel far from it.

This experience felt deeply connected to the sustainable development goal of Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3). Mental health is just as vital as physical health, and creating spaces for open emotional reflection helps build a more resilient and compassionate community.

One key takeaway was how leadership isn’t just about organizing events—it’s about empathy, visibility, and creating safe spaces for others to be heard. This aligns perfectly with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially in the context of mental wellness in student life.

It made me reflect on how even small acts of awareness and openness can ripple into larger change. Mental health isn’t a side topic—it’s part of our foundation.

The session with Ustaz Abu Usamah Mohd Hanapiah was deeply enlightening. “Kuasai Fiqh Wanita” tackled a topic that’s often misunderstood or tiptoed around—issues of haid, nifas, and istihadah. The way Ustaz broke it down was not only clear but also respectful and empowering.

It reminded me that religious knowledge, especially in matters that directly affect women, shouldn’t be left to whispers or confusion. These are real issues with real spiritual and emotional weight—and understanding them strengthens not only personal faith, but also the community’s support for one another.

This session made me feel more confident in navigating my own understanding of fiqh, and I’m grateful that spaces like these exist to open the floor for learning and discussion.