‘Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.’ — Scottish author and minister of the Free Church of Scotland, Ian Maclaren
The recent incident at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Kuching has brought the issue of mental health into sharp focus.
During a Sunset Mass, a 25-year-old man, reportedly struggling with mental health issues, disrupted the service by entering the church with loud music, holding a bottle of alcohol, and shouting profanities.
The man was later escorted out and detained by the police.
What could have been dismissed as a mere disturbance reveals a much deeper and more pressing concern — the urgent need to understand, support and care for those facing mental health challenges.
In response to the incident, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Datuk Dr Simon Poh, made a heartfelt appeal for kindness and understanding.
Rather than condemning the individual, he urged the public to show compassion and recognise the invisible struggles many face.
His message was both timely and crucial: mental illness is not a moral failing or a character flaw — it is a medical condition that demands care, empathy and a supportive community.
For many individuals living with mental health conditions, these struggles are ongoing and, without proper intervention and understanding, they can become overwhelming.
Mental health issues affect millions globally and their impact extends far beyond the individuals directly affected.
Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are just a few of the many conditions that can disrupt one’s ability to function in daily life.
Unfortunately, these conditions are often misunderstood.
Unlike physical ailments, mental health challenges remain hidden from view, making it easier for society to ignore or stigmatize those who are suffering.
The incident at St Joseph’s Cathedral illustrates how quickly a mental health crisis can escalate when support systems fail or when treatment is interrupted.
Reports indicated that the man involved had been receiving treatment at Kota Sentosa Hospital but may have missed his medication, leading to a recurrence of his symptoms.
This highlights a common reality for many people with mental health conditions—maintaining treatment is not always easy.
For some, financial limitations, social stigma and limited access to mental health resources can result in missed appointments or medication non-adherence.
When treatment is disrupted, symptoms can quickly spiral out of control, leaving individuals vulnerable to crises that can manifest in public and distressing ways.
Instead of focusing solely on the disruption caused, this incident should prompt us to reflect on how our communities can better support those facing mental health struggles.
Despite increasing awareness, many people with mental health conditions continue to face prejudice and misunderstanding.
This stigma fosters shame and isolation, making it even harder for individuals to seek help.
People living with mental illness are often unfairly labelled as “unstable” or “dangerous,” reinforcing harmful stereotypes that only deepen their isolation.
In reality, the vast majority of people with mental health conditions are not violent — they are simply individuals trying to cope with complex, and often painful, realities.
When public figures like Archbishop Poh call for kindness, it challenges these misconceptions and encourages a more compassionate response.
His appeal reminds us that those struggling with mental health do not need our judgement — they need our understanding.
Approaching these situations with empathy can make an enormous difference. It can be the difference between someone receiving the care they need or falling deeper into crisis.
Compassion, at its core, has the power to change lives.
Small gestures of kindness—listening without judgment, offering support, or checking in on a friend — can provide comfort to someone navigating mental health challenges.
For many, knowing that someone cares is enough to offer hope on difficult days.
Families, friends and communities play a pivotal role in supporting mental health.
While professional treatment is vital, emotional support from loved ones is equally important. No one should feel alone in their struggle and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that those who need help receive it.
Beyond individual acts of kindness, there is a broader societal responsibility to address mental health.
Access to quality mental health care remains limited in many parts of the world, and Malaysia is no exception.
We must advocate for better mental health policies, increased funding for mental health services, and public education initiatives that challenge misconceptions.
Every person struggling with mental illness deserves access to appropriate care and support.
This means not only improving medical services but also fostering environments where people feel safe discussing their mental health without fear of discrimination.
The incident at St Joseph’s Cathedral is a reminder that mental illness can affect anyone, at any time.
It is not something that can be swept aside or ignored.
Instead of viewing such moments as mere disruptions, we should see them as urgent calls to action.
We all have a role to play in creating a more compassionate society.
By choosing to respond with kindness rather than condemnation, we can help ease the burdens of those facing mental health struggles.
Imagine the difference it could make if everyone who faced a mental health crisis were met with open arms instead of suspicion.
In a world where we often rush to judgement, choosing to extend kindness can be a profound and life-changing act.
As Archbishop Poh said, “Let us be kind, for we do not know the burdens others are carrying.”
These words are a call to action — a reminder that empathy and understanding must be at the heart of our response to mental health challenges.
In choosing kindness, we not only support those in need but also create a world where no one has to suffer alone.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
