Meet Dr Sharrada Segeran, an inspiring IMU alumna and a passionate doctor currently practicing in Australia. With a heart dedicated to mental health, Dr Sharrada has made it her mission to bring attention to youth mental health issues and ensure that help is accessible to all. She understands that youth are the future, and she believes it is crucial to equip them with the tools they need to navigate their challenges and difficulties.
Dr. Sharrada’s journey into the mental health landscape began during her time as a medical student, particularly during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While engaged in her studies, she noticed that the aid being provided was primarily focused on necessities. However, she recognized a pressing need for support regarding mental health—the “shadow pandemic” of rising mental health issues that was often overlooked.
During her third year, Dr Sharrada founded Mind Matters, an NGO focused on youth mental health in Malaysia. Her experiences in community service, particularly as the President of the Community Service Club at IMU and Chair of the Youth Task Force of the National Coalition of Mental Wellbeing helped shape her understanding of meaningful engagement. She was dedicated to ensuring that students had opportunities to engage in projects that truly made a difference. Under the guidance of mentors like Prof Dr Khoo Suan Phaik through the ACE programme, she learned the importance of diving deeper into specific issues rather than skimming the surface of various initiatives.
Working alongside the late Prof Philip George, a seasoned psychiatrist, Dr Sharrada co-authored the Handbook on Youth Mental Health. This invaluable resource, written from multiple perspectives, addresses common mental health struggles and offers tips for coping. Since its publication, over 4,000 copies have been distributed for free to schools, universities, and community centers, providing crucial support and information to those in need. This publication is especially unique as it was written from three different perspectives-a psychiatrist, a newly graduated doctor and a medical student to a resource easily broken down to bite sized information.
In addition to her impactful work with Mind Matters, Dr Sharrada is the youngest board member elected to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Her commitment to community service and advocacy for youth extends beyond borders.
Outside of her professional endeavors, she finds joy in expressing herself creatively through Bharatanatyam dance, a passion she has nurtured since the age of five.
Dr Sharrada attributes much of her success to the unwavering support, understanding, and love from her family and friends. She recognises that her achievements are not hers alone, but a collective effort fueled by those who believe in her vision.
In a world that often seems daunting, Dr Sharrada’s story is a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of compassion, dedication, and community in nurturing a brighter future for our youth.
While Dr Sharrada is far away Down Under, we at IMU Advancement & Alumni Office look forward to celebrating her future accomplishments and pledge to support our alumna in her noble cause.
