SIBU: About 130 students and 20 teachers from Guong Ming Middle School, Sg Bidut here attended a Mental Health Literacy programme held in the school hall on Wednesday (Dec 6).
The event was jointly organised by the Sibu Mental Health Association (SMHA) and the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Jalan Merdeka, Jalan Oya, Jalan Muhibbah, Jalan Berjaya and Pearl Garden.
Sibu General Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health head Dr Wong Siong Teck, and psychiatrist Dr Hii Kae Lih were the speakers for the programme.
Dr Wong covered topics like ‘Introduction to Mental Health’ and ‘Where to Seek Help for Mental Issues’, while Dr Hii spoke about ‘Maintaining Good Mental Health’ and ‘Relaxation Techniques’.
At the opening ceremony, SMHA chairman Kapitan So Teck Kee stressed the significance of addressing mental health issues in young individuals.
He shared alarming statistics from the National Health Ability survey in 2017, revealing that one in 10 students had suicidal thoughts, one in five suffered from depression, and two in five experienced stress and anxiety.
“In 2019, the Ministry of Health reported that 2.3 per cent of adults and 9.5 per cent of children aged 10-15 had mental problems and this percentage is expected to continue to increase.
“On June 18, 2022, United Nations secretary-general Antonio Gutteres stated that almost one billion people in the world suffer from mental problems.”
So also highlighted the concerning trend in mental health issues among young people.
He stressed the importance of schools recognising their role in students’ lives, stating that if schools only focus on academic achievements and neglect mental health and social issues, it can be harmful.
He expressed hope that the programme would increase awareness of mental illness and provide information about resources for mental health treatment.
SMHA has conducted similar programmes in both public and private sectors, as well as schools in Sibu, Sarikei, Kapit and Mukah. “We will continue to do more to heighten the awareness among the communities on mental health issues.”
Guong Ming Middle School assistant principal Tieng Ngik Hung was also present at the event.
