In their growing up, youths today may face with challenges that contribute to the deterioration of their mental health. However, not all adult figures around them, such as their teachers or parents, may be aware or informed of how to address these issues when the youth reaches out for help. After the attempt to seek help and not receiving the support they need, youths are in a more vulnerable position.
In Hong Kong, a committee was recently formed to address the surge in student suicides. They found that mental health issues, psychological concerns, school adjustment, and academic stress to be contributing factors to teens’ suicidal behaviors.
A clinical psychologist had personal experiences with anxiety and depression, and was motivated to help youth at risk by developing early intervention and assessment tools to detect mental health issues early before it is too late. She has designed a game that is a more sensitive way of collecting data on a user’s cognitive patterns that may be consistent with signs of depression, instead of using a traditional checklist of questions.
Read the full article on Channel NewsAsia: The psychologist trying to get more help for Hong Kong’s suicidal, depressed youth
Analysis:
The game that the psychologist and her fiance has designed had gained traction from some hospitals but schools are hesitant to bring it in as they are concerned the children will have too much fun playing with the game instead. However, she is adamant about bringing her tools into school settings as that is where students need the most support in terms of their mental health.
Mental health issues are tricky to discuss due to its complex nature and the social stigma involved. Many adults still have misconceptions about mental health, and how they should help their children or students when they come to them for help. Openness and compassion to listen and understand underlying issues faced by the teens are needed as a first step.
Questions for further personal evaluation:
- What are the difficulties for a teen seeking help for mental health today?
- How are schools making efforts to improve the psychological wellbeing of students?
Useful vocabulary:
- ‘verge’: edge or border
- ‘surge’: a sudden large increase, typically a temporary one
- ‘adamant’: refusing to be persuaded or to change one’s mind
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