ALSA MAGAZINE | ISSUE 02 | MAY 2021
Issue 02
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Atticus
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash
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L E T T E R
F R O M
T H E
P R E S I D E N T
GREETINGS from THE PRESIDENT Hello everyone, Audrey here! It is indisputable that physical distancing is affecting our mental health, especially those working from home ( “WFH”) . In a glance, WFH might seem less hectic as compared to working from the office, but it does not. During pre-covid, some of us work rigidly in our universities, library, coffee shop or office, but once you arrive home, your brain and body believes it is a free time, thus, you do not need to work as hectic as working outdoors. However, when we WFH, we work 24/7. As such, making us unable to put a clear distinction between when we should work and rest, in short, we feel the obligation to work 24/7. It certainly affects our mental health. Thus, I proudly present this ALSA Magazine Edition to our readers as a reminder that you do not fight this silence battle alone, as a lot of us are going through the same. So, let’s constantly support each other because all effort no matter how small or big they are, matters! Strong Inside and Leading Outside ALSA, Always Be One! Sincerely yours,
PRESIDENT OF ALSA INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF 2020/2021
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L E T T E R
On behalf of the International Board of 20/21, we hope that our readers are healthy and safe wherever you are! Following the publication of our A-MAG 1st Edition 2021, we have decided to continue our next publication with the theme of "Mental Health: A Silent Battle Within" for our April-May Issue.
T H E
With the help of our A-MAG Editorial Board 20/21, we hope the contribution submitted by our dedicated A-MAG contributors will make you feel less alone in your mental health battle and we would like to remind our readers that there is no shame in seeking help. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Sincerely yours,
VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS, AND MARKETING OF ALSA INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF 2020/2021
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E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F
We believe that the implications of COVID-19 pandemic did not just severely damage the economy, it has also further deteriorated the people’s mental health and unfortunately this aspect is often neglected. This is because the pandemic has disrupted mental health services through the implementation of lockdowns and quarantine measures which created barriers for people to seek help. Not only that, in some parts of Asia, where mental health is concerned the subject remains as a social taboo and oftentimes those who suffer from mental health illnesses are judged and discriminated against. Thus, those who are affected often chose to suffer in silence rather than seeking help.
F R O M
MENTAL HEALTH: A SILENT BATTLE WITHIN
Namthip Chitmany Layout Artist
ASIAN LAW STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION International Board 20/ 21
Andi Allysa Maharani Kansa | Bazilah Besar | Natasya Kartika | Souksavath Ketbounchanh | Thipphaphone Thammanila | ALSA Thailand
Contributors for the "Global Affairs" Section
Venna Bella Sabatina | Ameerah Salie
Contributors for the "Legal Affairs" Section
Nur Khairunnisa Muzamir Shah | Fina Augustine | Aulia Shifa Hamida | Corina R. Mangharam | Fadea Putri | Anjali Mediboina
Contributors for the "Literature Review" Section
About ALSA ALSA is an international consortium of over 14,000 law students and alumni located in 17 jurisdictions all over Asia. Formally established in 2002, the Association is a merger between the previous ASEAN law students association, as well as the East Asian law students association, which were two student bodies that had similar goals of fostering stronger ties and greater understanding of the different legal systems among its member Asian countries. Recognizing their common goals, as well as the increasing onset of globalization in the region, these two associations signed an agreement in 2002, thus forming ALSA into the organization that is known to be today.
Our PARTNERS 01 Asian Medical Students' Association
02 European Law Students' Association
04 Australian Law Students' Association
05 OTP Law Corporation
03 International Bar Association
06 Dominican Law Students' Association
07 ZICO Law
08 Thomas Philip Advocates & Solicitors
09 Thanlwin Legal
10 Satayapon & Partners
11 International Dispute Resolution & Risk Management Institute
12 Tilleke & Gibbins
13 Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC)
14 Siam Cement Group
15 Prosple
Letter from the Editor, 4 Contributors, 5
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What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation - Glenn Close
Faizal was concerned as he listened to Calvin’s experience but is dubious to indulge in the anomalous subject as he was not that aware with the subject he’s going to say.
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Mental health is an important aspect of our overall well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a state of full physical, emotional, and social well-being, not just the absence of illness or infirmity. Well-being is a complex combination of a person's thinking, perceptions, feelings, behaviour, and interpersonal relationship factors. Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, and developmental disabilities such as autism are examples of mental disorders. 15% of the world population (around 970 million people) have mental and substance use disorder, which means that one in seven people suffer from it. The most common mental disorder in the world is anxiety with 4% of the world population suffering from it. Due to a high prevalence of mental disorders, mental health is currently one of the biggest global health problems and that worsened even more in this current situation. Government policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic such as physical distancing, self-isolation, and strict rules for mobilisation very much influence our daily life. In addition to that, many sectors such as the health and economic sectors are also being affected. These can cause many people to suffer from stress, depression, and even suicidal tendencies. According to a systematic review study by Xiong et al., there is a significant increment of mental health disorders during the pandemic. 30 ALSA MAGAZINE
High rates of anxiety (6.33% to 50.9%), depression (14.6% to 48.3%), posttraumatic stress disorder (7% to 53.8%), psychological distress (34.43% to 38%), and stress (8.1% to 81.9%) were recorded in the general population in China, Spain, Italy, Iran, the United States, Turkey, and the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being female, being under 40 years old, existing chronic psychiatric disorders, unemployment, student status, and regular exposure to COVID-19-related media or news are all risk factors for distress measures. Due to its urgency and importance, the Indonesian government did not remain silent in addressing mental health issues. Indonesia formed several policies regarding mental health problems during this pandemic, as they realised that the key to psychological treatment is public education, initial psychiatric consultation, and mentoring. Below are a few of the policies implemented by the Indonesian government: 1) The Ministry of Health issued a mental and psychosocial guidebook for health support, which is based on policies by WHO. This book serves as a resource for the central and local governments in developing and implementing prevention, response, and follow-up plans in behavioural and psychosocial health during this pandemic. 2) Supported regional areas by creating a community called Siaga Sehat Jiwa to help each region in dealing with both physical and mental health problems. This
community is aimed at increasing the synergy cooperation from regional health workers to the centre.
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3)Education and training of practical ability skills by clinical psychologists for the community so that they will be able to apply the principles independently. 4)Provided a hotline (119 ext. 8) which will automatically connect to volunteers from the Indonesian Psychological Association (HIMPSI) where they provide phone counselling for 30 minutes. Through these policies, the Indonesian government hopes that comprehensive steps can be applied effectively in all sectors to prevent and treat mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.However, regrettably, another serious issue closely related to mental health problems had been on the rise in Indonesia: negative social stigma in society. This is very unfortunate because due to the stigma surrounding mental health, many people hesitate and feel embarrassed to seek help for their mental health. Even in this modern era, many people still think that seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist equates to the patient being crazy. Due to such social stigma, it is not surprising that many people make extreme decisions such as committing suicide. In fact, according to a survey held by The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020, 10.7% of their respondents have seriously considered suicide in the past 30 days. In addition to social stigma, many people also do not have sufficient knowledge in dealing with those suffering from mental disorders, which results in the usage of easy methods such as pasung. Pasung is a way of handcuffing people, commonly used on those with severe mental disorders. One might wonder if such measures are still practiced in this era, but in Indonesia, it is a reality and common as well. According to the National Basic Health Research in 2018, there were 1,655 cases of pasung against people with mental illnesses in Indonesia. In addition to that, according to e-pasung (an online application which shows pasung statistics in a certain area) results, there were 2,369 cases of pasung in East Java, Indonesia. Quite a shocking number, isn’t it? 31 ALSA MAGAZINE
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Legal Affairs
Mental Health in the Legal Industry; An Asian Perspective WRITTEN BY AMEERAH SALIE ALSA SRI LANKA
Mental Health in the Legal Industry Mental Health in the Legal Industry is a critical concern amassing increased importance. Research by the American Bar Association and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation study demonstrates that lawyers undergo three times the rate of clinical depression in comparison to professionals in 25 other occupations inclusive of Finance and Theatre. In addition, 15 percent of lawyers encounter some form of mental illness throughout the duration of their careers. These numbers are alarming and speak for themselves. Even though mental health in the legal industry has been flagged for several years, little has been done to address and understand mental health in the legal industry. In addition, there remains a distressing difference between the perspective and understanding on mental health in different regions of the world. Mental Health in the Asian Legal Industry The Asian legal industry is quite unlike any other industry. It is consistently regarded as fast paced and has contributed much to the development of the ‘hustle’ culture.
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It comes as no surprise that the Asian legal industry is thereby riddled with high-functioning individuals with mental illnesses. The key difference between mental health in the Asian legal industry and other industries is that the former often do not gain access to the treatment that they require to effectively manage their disorders and live a productive lifestyle. In an analysis of the prevalence of mental health disorders among Asians, the numbers evidently speak for themselves. South Korea has the 10th highest rate of suicide in the world. In addition, suicide is the leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 20 in Singapore. In Indonesia, Japan and India, suicide is nearing crisis levels and remains the leading cause of death in men aged 20 to 44, and women aged 15 to 34. This indicates that mental health may be one of the most pressing issues in this region. Despite the grim statistics, there remain 4 fundamental reasons as to why professionals in the Asian legal industry are at higher risk of mental health problems.
Legal Affairs The Stigmatisation of Mental Health in the Legal Industry Within an Asian context, the misunderstanding of mental health across Asian region countries has collectively resulted in its stigmatisation. This stigmatisation is traced back to traditional mindsets and beliefs that are firmly rooted in Asian culture. Asian culture places strong notions of honour and pride within families. Accordingly, mental health is viewed as an anomaly. In addition, the lingering stereotypes of mental health contribute much to the issue including the notions that depressions translate to sadness, or that people struggling with mental health are ‘crazy’ ‘dangerous’ or ‘delusional’. In the Asian legal industry, resilience is key. As mental health is perceived as a sign of weakness, there is immense pressure on both men and women to ‘man up’ and save face. Consequently, most Asian legal professionals feel pressured to keep their mental health issues a secret, as a link is often drawn between Mental health issues and weakness in the Asia legal industry. The Commodification of Legal Professionals The advent of the capitalist economic system ushered in the commodification of people. Defined as the transformation of people into commodities or objects of trade, commodification is increasingly prevalent in the Asian legal industry. Commodification is directly attributed to the fast growing and highly competitive nature of the Asian legal industry with a plethora of firms, corporations, and chambers at every juncture. Capitalistic values are incorporated into every workplace, and this has resulted in the perception that employees are deemed as dispensable commodities. Therefore, if one employee leaves, there will always be a replacement. This is amplified in the Asian legal industry due to the increasing number of lawyers. They are certainly not immune to these commercial dynamics. ALSA MAGAZINE 35
Legal Affairs
"Employees are deemed as dispensable commodities. Therefore, if one employee leaves, there will always be a replacement." The Competitive Nature of Workplaces in Asia Law firms and workplaces in Asia are immensely competitive and often prioritise status and achievement. This is amplified by the notion that status and achievement are not to be marred by the difficulties associated with mental health issues. Therefore, legal professionals do not disclose these underlying conditions in an effort to maintain blemish-free track records. In addition, the competitive nature of legal workplaces thereby ensures that employees are only allowed time off for extenuating circumstances, or ‘life-and-death’ situations. Just the use of this phrase makes clear the extreme hustle culture advocated for in these workplaces. There is little support infrastructure and mechanisms Mental health providers in Asia amount to a few organisations that are underfunded, understaffed, and not widely known. In the context of the Asian legal profession, research indicates that individuals struggling with mental health problems are high functioning. This makes clear that specialised treatment is essential for addressing this occurrence among legal and corporate professionals.
Therefore, it is the employers’ responsibility to ensure that their employees have access to such facilities. In the circumstance that these facilities are not in existence, initiatives prioritising the corporate professional should be taken by the state. Mental Health Legislation in Developing Countries A concerted effort has been taken by global organisations and health aid agencies in encouraging and incentivizing developing countries to integrate mental health care systems into their medical practice systems. It is forthcoming that Mental health legislation in developing countries is not reflective of their cultural practices and perspectives and are remarkably progressive and accommodating. Two statutes will be looked at inclusive of Indonesia and Sri Lanka in dissecting the legislative stance of governments on mental health in the legal industry. Indonesia: The Mental Health Act of 2014 The Mental Health Act ( MHA) enacted in 2014 constitutes the primary legislation addressing mental health in the region. The statute significantly places the onus on the Indonesian government in ensuring the availability of mental health services on a national level. It further integrates mental health into general health services by making drug treatment more accessible and affordable to individuals with psychosocial illnesses. While experts acknowledge these measures as a step in the right direction, the statute does contain a few primary concerns. These include the notion that classifications and concepts of mental health within MHAs are not consist-
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Legal Affairs ent with those in psychiatric practice nor is it culturally sensitive due to the lack of acknowledgement of local practices and beliefs in the MHA. Sri Lanka: The Mental Health Act of 2005 First enacted in 1873 as the Mental Health Ordinance, the Mental Health Act of 2005 is the key legislation regulating mental health in the country. This legislation acknowledges mental illness as the primary cause of morbidity in the world and regulates the provision of mental health services to individuals of all strata. It established a National Mental Health Advisory Council in overseeing the implementation of mental health policy in Sri Lanka. Moreover, it makes provisions for the rehabilitation of the mentally ill alongside a functioning community centre. The central criticism of this legislation is the compartmentalisation of the mentally ill from that of a functioning individual. Experts argue that the treatment mechanisms explored do not allow an individual to continue in his daily life. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for the formulation of specific mental health programs targeting professionals and corporations. The Procurement of an Effective Solution Legislation taking into consideration cultural norms and high functioning mentally ill is the need of the hour. It is evident that the current legislation in place addresses only a few issues in the broader spectrum. While this is commendable, it is necessary that legislation targeting specific avenues of mental health is enacted. Target areas include accessibility to mental health services catered towards corporate and legal professionals and the incorporation of mental health into workplace ethics. The enactment of such legislation is essential for the stabilisation of the work force of any nation. ALSA MAGAZINE 37
Literature Review
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
There is no surer foundation for a beautiful friendship than a mutual taste in literature - P.G. Wodehouse
Literature Review
Silver Linings Playbook (2012) “In a world where no one understands, it’s good to finally find someone who can” WRITTEN BY FINA AUGUSTINE ARDHIKA PUTRI ALSA INDONESIA
Who would have thought a movie which tells of two people who heal each other won various prestigious awards such as an Oscar, Golden Globes and BAFTA. This comedy romance genre film directed by David O Russell tells the story of two people who have mental disorders until one day the two are attracted to each other, but the depression and mental disorders they crave become obstacles. This story begins with a young man named Patrizio Solitano Jr. starring Bradley Cooper who marries a woman named Nikki and lives together as a couple. However, everything changes when Pat catches his wife having an affair with a coworker. This incident causes Pat to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder resulting in him having to spend eight months in a mental hospital.
After undergoing treatment for months, he returns to his parents' house and attempts to find all means to be reconciled with Nikki. However, Nikki has decided to stay away from Pat, even requesting the court for a standing order to prohibit Pat from approaching her. When he is later invited to dinner by his friend, Ronnie, Pat meets his sister-in-law named Tiffany Maxwell, played by Jennifer Lawrence. Tiffany also has mental health problems. Depressed due to losing her husband, Tiffany makes a mess in her office until she is fired, which makes her situation worse. Pat approaches Tiffany intending to make her a bridge to deliver letters to his wife and get back together. Tiffany agreed on the condition that Pat must be her partner in a dance competition.
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The production and existence of this film has its own meaning for those who are in the same position as the actors. At first glance, the story in the Silver Linings Playbook does seem ordinary. However, the storyline and strong characters make this story immensely special and carefully packaged by the director and the production team. The social problems faced by the actors are often present in the environment around us. However, not everyone can attempt to understand the illness they have because mental illnesses cannot be seen physically and are not tangible. Instead, to ascertain if someone has a mental health disorder requires a systematic approach and understanding of the person's condition intensely. Silver Linings Playbook conveys many implicit messages which are certainly one of the reasons the audience liked this movie as it was used as a point of healing. With reference to the opening quote ‘In a world where no one understands, it's good to finally find someone who can’; Not everyone can understand us inclusive of the ones closest to us like our parents and friends. How nice it must be to have someone who can both understand our conditions and feelings and can be a shoulder to lean on. During his time with Tiffany, Pat never thought he would fall in love with a woman he initially thought was crazy. The emergence of love is unpredictable and this is exactly how Pat felt after spending his days with Tiffany. The message that I think is most memorable in this movie is that everyone has their own problems and madness depending on whether the person is able to control it either through the help of others or the efforts of himself. However we as fellow humans should respect each other without judgement because no one knows what the other has been through.
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Literature Review
The General’s Daughter: Corruption, Sexual Trauma, and Smoke and Mirrors in the Military WRITTEN BY AULIA SHIFA HAMIDA ALSA INDONESIA
Leslie Stefanson, starring Elisabeth Campbell, is a woman whose beauty and brains, and calibre and eminence provides you a glimpse of a privileged life. Both a woman and a captain, the splendour of her slight appearance will leave you enthralled in her pursuit of justice. The General’s Daughter will spare you a few minutes to romanticize how pleasing the future is to be when you are first among equals. It will spare you a few more only to daydream how challenging it is to love a woman like her, if you are a man. However, the next time you see her murdered, the next time you learn that she is not murdered, and the last time you gather that she is indeed murdered, you come to understand that no matter your privilege, the sombre reality of the past will walk you through the streets and places you used to frequent before it all happened and make you ask: “Can I be her again? ” Elisabeth Campbell, a female captain in psychological operations, and the daughter of Lieutenant General Joseph Campbell, was gang-raped by her fellow cadets at West Point for having surpassed her men cadets on the basis of military rank. She was left to die in an isolated area. She was close to death and later diagnosed with genital disease and suffered a miscarriage. When she was later brought to the hospital, her father, Lieutenant General Campbell, having taken into consideration that the assailants could never be caught and that the scandal would destroy the Military Academy’s reputation, told her to forget what had happened to her. Feeling betrayed by her father, Elisabeth later started a psychological warfare campaign against her father by being sexually involved with all men on the base. She made tapes of the intercourse where it was later learned that she used BDSM equipment. Elisabeth’s reputation preceded her and her father was aware of her promiscuous relationship with her fellow cadets. However, Joseph was more than a cold-blooded individual and indifferent to her psychological warfare. He refused to confront his daughter’s circumstances. ALSA MAGAZINE 44
Literature Review
The burden, the shame, the tarnished innocence, and the malice stay inside. No matter where you end up and no matter how privileged you are, it does not go away. It just wears off when you are at your best, and torments you when you are at your worst.
Elisabeth, ever longing for her father’s support, encouragement and backing. was only accorded position, rank and privilege. With the assistance of her superior officer and mentor, Robert Moore, she staged a re-enactment of her West Point rape. She provided her father with an ultimatum that he had to witness the scene, in the hopes that it would move him to seek justice on her behalf. But he was uncompromising, and he left her tied to the stakes. That night Elisabeth was murdered by Bill Kent who had been her regular sexual partner. He was obsessed with her and was ready to leave his wife and children for Elisabeth. However, she turned him down instead and spat on his face, because she did not love him, and she did not love anybody that she had been sleeping with, because she did not need anybody. Kent snapped and strangled her to death, staked down in exactly the same manner in which she was gang-raped. The General’s Daughter leaves you wondering if it was Kent that was responsible for Elisabeth’s death or was a mere pawn in putting her out of her misery and that Joseph’s denial of justice was what actually killed her. As Nelson DeMille states in his book “Somehow, amid all the sophistication and diversions of this world, we forgot the basics: take care of business at home first, and never betray your blood.” Dealing with the past has been the rule of thumb for one to find oneself again and to be finally at peace. However, the mental, emotional, and psychological burden caused by sexual violence does not care how far you have become, how long you have sat down and talked to yourself.
The solitude you long for, leads you to apprehend that history may repeat itself. The comfortable silence you long for does not come by on a Friday night. The General’s Daughter provides you the bigger picture of what it attempts to represent. It is about class which money cannot purchase. It is about intellect that accompanies virtue. It is about pride that grows with vanity. It is about boldness and moral objection. It is about family and loyalty. It is all about betrayal, a moral standard and its objection, a family and businesses, and love and a duty which does not let you fall.
"We have to talk more about justice, as much as we have overlooked it. We have to talk more about justice because we are supposed to be talking about it. We are supposed to be talking about the basis of its morality and legitimacy that we were born with, We were raised with, We were guided with, But which we rejected when we were eighteen." ALSA MAGAZINE 45
And at the end of the day, every single one of us possesses a past that we cannot get beyond, past that does not calm us down, a past that betrays our own idea of ourselves in our sleepless nights; and, perhaps that is why we ask ourselves at the end of the street we used to frequent before all of it happened: “Can I ever be her again? ” You might not plead, but you bleed.
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M U S I C R E V I E W : S L E E P L E S S I N _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ B Y E P I K H I G H WRITTEN BY ANJALI MEDIBOINA AMSA INTERNATIONAL
‘DO YOU FIND THAT THINGS YOU ONCE ENJOYED NO LONGER INTEREST YOU?/ARE YOU LONELY?/ARE YOU ALWAYS SLEEPLESS?’ -SLEEPLESS, EPIK HIGH Over the past few years, mental health has been the subject for music, with many artists, such as Billie Eilish, BTS, Jeremy Zucker and Ariana Grande (to name a few), speaking out about their personal struggles with mental health issues in their songs, South Korean hip-hop group Epik High, composed of Tablo, Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz, is also well-known for being vocal about personal struggles and social issues. Epik High has a diverse discography, producing anything and everything, from ballads to classic hip-hop tracks. Released in 2019, “Sleepless in __________” is the group's first independently-produced album, and was inspired by the group’s personal struggles with insomnia. Sleep and mental health are intertwined, or bi-directional, and insomnia is both a cause and consequence of various mental health illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Over the course of seven songs, the album explores the theme of sleeplessness and the different thoughts that keep a person up at night. While Epik High is sleepless in Seoul, we, the listeners, might be sleepless elsewhere, and so the intentional blank in the title is for the listeners to fill in their location.
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Literature Review
The album begins with “Sleepless”, which immediately sets the tone. The short track has a robotic voice asking questions such as ‘Do you have trouble sleeping?/Do you have nightmares?’, and then transitions into the next song, “In Seoul”. Soft and mellow, it features Sunwoo Jung-A, who croons about tossing and turning at night, as the mind is occupied with anxious thoughts. “Lovedrunk” is the third song. With haunting instrumentals, paired with R&B singer Crush’s sweet vocals and Tablo and Mithra Jin’s powerful verses, the song conveys the sadness and pain one feels after a breakup. From there, it picks up the tempo with the upbeat “Eternal Sunshine”, produced by BTS’s Suga. The track is different from the others in terms of sound, but also in the sense that it is almost like the artists are talking to the listeners.
‘Do you get lonely?/ Sick with anxiety?/ Can’t trust nobody?/ Well, same here.’ -Eternal Sunshine, Epik High The fifth track, “No Different”, features Malaysian artist Yuna. The smooth R&B ballad is a personal favourite and is almost like a conversation between Yuna and Tablo, about the two sides of a dying relationship. Followed by “Rain Again Tomorrow”, the album perks up with the “up-tempo song that still sounds depressing”. Tablo and Mithra Jin rap about their personal reasons for sleeplessness and the fear of losing their passion for music. The final beats of “Rain Again Tomorrow” slow down to make a seamless transition into the final track, “Lullaby For A Cat”, a recreation of the moment when one just begins to fall asleep. Tablo’s short verse about loneliness coupled with the soft beats, and echoing instrumentals, is quite literally, a lullaby. The song then loops back to the beginning, “Sleepless”.
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Just like the thoughts one has at night, each track flows smoothly to the next and the calm progression of the album, comforting melodies and meaningful lyrics make “Sleepless in __________” a lo-fi perfection. While being a “book of short stories” that captures the battle with insomnia, “Sleepless in __________” is also like a warm hug from Epik High, offering solace with the reassurance that you are not alone.
“Tuck you in/ As I tuck another tear behind my eyelids/ Good night” -Lullaby For A Cat, Epik High
INNER MONOLOGUE. SONG TITLE: ANXIETY – BY JULIA MICHAELS FT. SELENA GOMEZ “My friends, they wanna take me to the movies I tell 'em to f*ck off, I'm holding hands with my depression And right when I think I've overcome it Anxiety starts kicking in to teach that shit a lesson Oh, I try my best just to be social I make all these plans with friends and hope they call and cancel Then I overthink about the things I'm missing Now I'm wishing I was with 'em” Nowadays, there are many issues that discuss the scope of “Mental Health”, however, the representation of mental health itself seems to be infrequent in music. . A singer-songwriter named Julia Michaels released an EP called Inner Monologue Part 1 with an opening song that is titled “Anxiety”. The purpose of this song was to make listeners feel personally connected to the real emotions of how individuals find it difficult to overcome their own anxiety. The opening of the EP signifies a sense of attachment and personal to both Julia Michaels and Selena Gomez because the song represents their personal experiences in dealing with anxiety.
Literature Review
With a calming acoustic guitar and simple lyrics to make a conversational tone, the first verse of “Anxiety” portrays Julia’s day-to-day complex emotions which gives a direct touch to listeners as it makes us feel the impossibility to run from that emotion. The complex emotions that every individual feels is presented in this verse as anxiety plays an inevitable role to each one of us. The lyrics “I try my best just to be social, I make all these plans with friends and hope they call and cancel” capture the legitimate reason of how anxiety affects us from the guilt inside of us and having the emotions to act out the social dilemma that hits us.
“Feel like I'm always apologizing for feeling Like I'm out of my mind when I'm doing just fine And my exes all say that I'm hard to deal with And I admit it, yeah” “If you're sad, put your hand up If you hate someone, put your hand up If you're scared, put your hand up”
For the outro, she ended the song by saying “I love this song! ” and the energy in this particular impression gives a meaningful meaning to Julia’s struggle in coping with her anxiety. Although the song, “Anxiety” is made by Julia Michaels and Selena Gomez, however, Julia’s unexpected hit of the song was not made intentionally. The song was made with the intention for her emotional release . “Anxiety” is a success hit as it shows the true emotion of being a human living with emotional disturbance that comes and goes.. With colloquial language and calming backsound, Julia Michaels made “Anxiety” to be something desired. In spite of “Anxiety” is a song that talked about sadness, depression, and a dark topic to approach in conversation but this song is great to be sung with friends while sitting around a campfire.
The pre-chorus is the culmination of the confessions. Julia Michaels talked about how she got so frustrated by constantly feeling hopeless and misunderstood. The way she sings is tinged with depression and fitfulnes. Selena Gomez who took the second verse made the lyrics sound speech-like and monotonous .
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Photo by Jane Boyd & ECE Workshops on Unsplash
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'S' Written by Corina R. Mangharam ALSA Malaysia I have been looking into words that Start with the letter 'S'.
Like the word 'Saya' that knows it has to come first; the Saya yang patut berpelajaran tinggi, which had me Sacrifice Sleep Sejak first year of Law School lagi. Tetapi Sajak berlipat Sepuluh kali ganda, berputar belit dalam minda, I found myself Stringing words into Sentences into Stanzas into Poetry, it made me realise that Saya Suka berpuisi.
It helped me See my alternate future from when I was young, when my mother Sang of dreams and realities, lullabies that had me Senyum lebar in the Safety of my father's lap. Through Songs, she told me of Sadness and Serenity, of Stars and Suns in Space, and I sat there, thinking of Studying Astronomy, and I let them wash all over me—a whole Senarai of emosi yang pernah dirasai Seseorang individu. "Suatu hari nanti," I told myself, "I will reach the moon."
I never did.
Still, I Stayed grounded, became the Source of light for my Sisters and brother, Stepping from Stone to Stone across this raging river of Life, looking back to make sure they're alright. It's almost a Show—to watch me hold their hands, real tight, refusing to let go.
I mended each of their Sayap that tore at the Seam, both kanan dan kiri. "I'm Scared!" They Screamed, dengan hati yang masih Suci, untainted by the memories and difficult Situations my parents no longer Shielded from me, because apparently I've grown big enough to withstand the weight of Such burdens. And so, I Stack, and I Stack, and I Stack other people's problems on top of my own, convincing myself that if I Sit Still enough I'll get used to it; occasionally Shifting knees, toying with the realities my mother used to Shape for me—of how Stars are Suns in Space.
Now, I'm here, one Step closer, one more Semester, and the only Space I have ever come close to touching is the very one I've created around me. Safe Space. Suasana yang tidak mencemari my ability to write poetry; filled with good people and endless possibilities; the kind of love that is better than any other realities. Sebenarnya, Saya perasan, things like Struggle and Stress and other words that start with the letter 'S', they can turn into amazing Puisi, I just can't let them consume me.
Editor's Note: The words italicised above are in Bahasa Melayu and the translation of the words can be found on the next page.
ALSA MAGAZINE 54
Translation: I have been looking into words that Start with the letter 'S'. Like the pronouns of ‘I/ Saya’ that knows it has to come first; the I who Should not be a fool, which had me Sacrifice Sleep ever ‘Since/ Sejak’ the first year of Law School. Still, ‘Poetry/ Sajak’ folds itself ‘ten/ Sepuluh’ times over, Swirls about in the mind of its owner, I found myself Stringing words into Sentences into Stanzas into Poetry. It made me realise that ‘I/ Saya’ am drawn by the beauty of words which made me ‘like/ Suka’ writing in poetry. It made me reminisce during my childhood days when my mother Sang of dreams and realities, lullabies that had me ‘Smile widely/ Senyum lebar’ in the Safety of my father's lap. Through Songs, she told me of Sadness and Serenity, of Stars and Suns in Space, and I sat there, thinking of Studying Astronomy, and I let them wash all over me—a whole list of emotions ever felt by ‘an/ Seseorang’ individual. "One day/ Suatu hari nanti," I told myself, "I will reach the moon." But, I never did. Still, I Stayed grounded, became the Source of light for my Sisters and brother, Stepping from Stone to Stone across this raging river of Life, looking back to make sure they're alright. It's almost a Show—to watch me hold their hands, real tight, refusing to let go. I mended each of their ‘Wing/ sayap’ that tore at the Seam, both left and right. "I'm Scared! " They Screamed, ‘with hearts that are Still pure/ dengan hati yang masih Suci’, untainted by the memories and difficult Situations my parents no longer Shielded from me, because apparently I've grown big enough to withstand the weight of Such burdens. And so, I Stack, and I Stack, and I Stack other people's problems on top of my own, convincing myself that if I Sit Still enough I'll get used to it; occasionally Shifting knees, toying with the realities my mother used to Shape for me—of how Stars are Suns in Space. Now, I'm here, one Step closer, one more Semester, and the only Space I have ever come close to touching is the very one I've created around me. Safe Space. ‘Situations that do not ruin/ Suasana yang tidak mencemari’ my ability to write poetry; filled with good people and endless possibilities; the kind of love that is better than any other realities. ‘Surprisingly I/ Sebenarnya Saya’ realise, things like Struggle and Stress and other words that start with the letter 'S', they can turn into amazing Poetry, I just cannot let them consume me.
ALSA MAGAZINE 55
2021