By: Dr. Cheng Kai Wah
SERDANG, Jan 12 – Having mental health issues while studying in the United Kingdom has forced Farah Syasya Zukrina Ahmad Nazmi to quit during her third year of study and return to Malaysia.
Nonetheless, she continued to strive and seek treatment on mental health issues at least twice a month, which managed to restore her spiritual and physical will as well as strength for her to return on her effort to succeed academically.
As a result, she received her Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree at the 44th Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Convocation Ceremony here today.
Farah Syasya Zukrina, 29, said the feeling of depression during her parents' divorce almost made her lose hope in life until she was tempted to end her life.
"Now, the good thing is that the frequency of my visits to psychiatrists has decreased," said Farah, who managed to receive the Bachelor's degree within three years.
She is currently a Master of Science in Traffic and Transportation Engineering candidate at the School of Graduate Studies, UPM.
She said she really appreciated the study time at UPM because she had the opportunity to calm her mind together with her classmates by going bowling, playing badminton, and watching movies.
“On this occasion, I would like to thank the lecturers of the Faculty of Engineering, UPM, as well as the classmates who were very caring and supportive to me. I wouldn't be here without them.
"I feel delighted to stand on the stage of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Arts and Cultural Centre (PKKSSAAS), UPM, to receive a degree," she said.
She hoped students do not take every personal problem lightly, even though it may be small, and they should not be ashamed to express it to trusted friends because the morale support from people around is very important when facing challenges in life. – UPM
