{
  "id": 13280974,
  "title": "Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Visha now runs an NGO with mum",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/diagnosed-with-schizophrenia-visha-now-runs-an-ngo-with-mum",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-10T01:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/10/10/diagnosed-with-schizophrenia-visha-now-runs-an-ngo-with-mum"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Vishalatchi Arunagiri, known as Visha, was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2011. The 34-year-old, who spent her early years in Thailand, left Malaysia when she was five and struggled with a learning disability. When she returned to Malaysia for fashion merchandising, her mental health deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Visha’s mother, Mala Davi, was shocked by her daughter's dramatic weight loss and the onset of psychosis. Mala, previously unaware of the severity of her daughter’s condition, had left Visha alone for three weeks. A psychiatrist diagnosed Visha and emphasized the importance of timely intervention. Initially resistant to treatment, Visha eventually agreed after her mother's persuasion, undergoing psychotherapy and rehabilitation. By 2014, she was in better condition. The experience also altered Mala’s perspective on her daughter, treating her as \"Visha\" rather than \"a schizophrenic.\" In 2014, Mala and Visha founded Suara Minda, an NGO focusing on mental health advocacy, support, and a safe space for underprivileged individuals. The organization uses a peer-run model, where individuals with psychiatric rehabilitation experience guide others through early support and recovery. Suara Minda offers creative workshops, such as pottery making, baking, and stone art, to help individuals manage their conditions and reduce anxiety. Over 20 workshops were conducted in 2022, primarily targeting B40 communities. Both mother and daughter are actively involved with the Malaysian Mental Health Association and have trained in Mental Health First Aid. Visha continues to experience voices, but she is doing well under her psychiatrist’s care. She aims to grow the NGO and increase access to counselling and psychotherapy.",
  "summary": "Suara Minda is a peer-led mental health NGO that Vishalatchi Arunagiri operates with her mother Mala Davi.",
  "key_points": [
    "Visha diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2011",
    "Visha's mother Mala unaware of severity",
    "Visha and Mala co-founded NGO Suara Minda in 2014"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Visha's journey from schizophrenia diagnosis to running an NGO helps shift her mother's perspective and inspires others to manage mental health through peer support and creative workshops.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Visha now runs an NGO with mum",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/diagnosed-with-schizophrenia-visha-now-runs-an-ngo-with-mum-13282472",
        "published": "2026-10-10T01:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}