[LIFE & STYLE PODCAST] Strong Outside, Silent Inside: The Hidden Cost of Coping

In an era where mental health remains heavily stigmatized, especially in Asian societies, a powerful conversation is unfolding - and it’s one that many Malaysians will find deeply relatable.

In a compelling new episode of Sinar Daily’s Life & Style podcast, psychiatrist and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Medical Lecturer Dr Iman Mohamed Ali sits down with renowned actress Diana Danielle to explore a subject that is often whispered about, but rarely spoken of with such candor: functioning with mental health challenges while appearing "okay" on the outside.

The episode dives into the silent battles many face daily - from high-functioning anxiety and emotional burnout to the societal pressure of having to maintain composure at all costs.

The discussion sheds light on how mental distress often hides behind achievements, responsibilities, and curated smiles, especially among women juggling careers, motherhood, and cultural expectations.

“In our culture, we're told to ‘tahan je’ — to endure, to be strong, and to suppress our pain,” says Diana, who speaks openly about her own experiences navigating emotional stress while living under the public eye.

“But strength isn’t silence, and ignoring your mental health isn’t resilience.”

Dr Iman adds that the normalization of suffering has led to delayed intervention and worsening conditions for many individuals, particularly working adults and caregivers who carry invisible emotional loads.

She emphasizes the importance of recognizing mental health struggles not as a weakness, but as a valid and urgent health concern that requires compassion and systemic support.

The episode serves as a heartfelt call to action - urging Malaysians to rethink the way we view mental strength, seek support, and support others.

Catch the full conversation on Sinar Daily’s official social media channels and podcast platforms.

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