note from the editor AsiaLIFE Group Group Editor-in-Chief / Director Cambodia: Mark Bibby Jackson mark@asialife.asia
Group Director Sales & Marketing / Director Vietnam: Jonny Edbrooke jonny@asialife.asia
Managing Editor Cambodia: Ellie Dyer ellie@asialife.asia
Director Thailand: Nattamon Limthanachai (Oh) oh@asialife.asia
Associate Editor: Bridget Di Certo bridget.dicerto@gmail.com
Group Creative Director: Johnny Murphy johnny@asialife.asia
Editor-at-Large Cambodia: Mai Lynn Miller Nguyen
Art Director Cambodia: Steve Tierney www.teaguesart.com
Siem Reap: Nicky McGavin nicky@asialife.asia
Ellie Dyer Many regard mental health as a topic that is not suitable for the dinner table, with psychiatric and psychological concerns brushed under the carpet or spoken of in hushed tones. In worst case scenarios, sufferers can be stigmatised, looked down upon or even become subjects of abuse. Mental health is, however, an important topic to tackle. Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are thought to suffer from depression, and many of us know people coping with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Psychological pressures from divorce, a death, poverty or life upheavals can also affect us all. In Cambodia, the pressures are perhaps greater. Thanks to decades of unrest and warfare, many Cambodians have lived through periods of extreme trauma, and some are still coming to terms with their experiences. Expats can also face challenges in living far away from home, without familiar support networks and social norms. In an environment where vices such as alcohol can be free flowing, some people’s lives spiral out of control. I expect we’ve all seen friends go “off the rails in Phnom Penh” (there’s even a book about it) without knowing how to help. The good news is that there are places to seek support in Cambodia. Though the country’s mental health system lacks funds and, in many respects, is in its infancy, a small group of professional psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors are dedicated to supporting the national psyche through professional training, treatment and sheer hard work. Take a look at our cover feature to find out more. In light of the New Year and our escape from the Mayan apocalypse, we’ve also tackled the more light-hearted subject of interior decoration. Bridget Di Certo has met up with some of the country’s top stylists to advise readers on how to create a home sweet home for 2013. Writer Claire Slattery has also delved into times past in her illuminating examination into favoured holiday spot Kep and the future of its villas, including the royal residence. On a final note, AsiaLIFE would like to thank Nicky McGavin, our Siem Reap writer, for all her hard work as she heads to pastures new. We wish her all the best in her new life outside Cambodia.
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Social Media and Marketing: Kate Burbidge kate@asialife.asia Sales Manager Cambodia: Sorn Chantha chantha@asialife.asia
Photographers: Chatti Phal, Conor Wall & Yoki Coco Editorial Assistant: Seth Rinoza Distribution: Sam Ath Ouk 012 319 172
Sales and Accounts: Seang Seyha & Seang Satya For advertising enquiries call Chantha on 012 576 878 Special thanks to: Darren Gall, Gemma Jones, Trevor Keidan, Daniel Otis, David Preece, Claire Slattery, Cambodia Restaurant Assoication, Dr Christoph Bendick and Lim Meng Y - for their contribution to this issue.
On the Cover Model: Panchakna Khlok Photographer: Conor Wall Art Direction: Steve Tierney AsiaLIFE is a registered trademark. No content may be reproduced in any form without prior authorisation of the owners. © 360º Media.