The Problem
In 2006, 11.2% of youths aged 16 and up in Malaysia suffered from mental illness.
This number rose 3x to 30% in 2015.
Even worse, only 3% of adolescents possess adequate mental health literacy, or MHL, which includes:
- Capability to accurately identify mental health disorders
- Intention to seek help
Furthermore, suicidal ideation is rising dramatically among students.
The National Center of Excellence for Mental Health (NCEMH) has revealed an alarming 13.1% increase in students harboring suicidal thoughts in 2022, with 10% contemplating suicide.
Our Solution
Student-Facing Mental Health Literacy (MHL) Workshops
Our proposed Mental Health Literacy (MHL) workshops offer a comprehensive solution tailored to the urgent need for early intervention in mental health among students. We focus on empowering students with the knowledge needed for early self-recognition of mental health issues, understanding the importance of seeking help, identifying signs of distress, and combating stigma and misinformation.
What makes our workshops unique?
Relatable
With the dynamism of a youth-run organization, our workshops are informed by the lived experiences of many of our members, offering a relatable and empathetic approach to mental health education. This offers a significant advantage compared to ‘feel-good’ lectures that may come off as distant to students.
Evidence-Based
With our unique partnerships with seasoned mental health professionals and academics, you can rest assured that our workshops are grounded in qualified expertise. Our facilitators, including certified counselors, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and academic experts, are supported by trained members of our organization to ensure the delivery of high-quality, impactful content.
Flexible
We offer flexible formats to accommodate school and time constraints, including assembly-style presentations for cost efficiency and smaller, grade-level sessions for enhanced engagement and active learning. The cost of the workshops varies depending on the provider’s experience, ensuring we can tailor our offerings to meet schools’ needs and budget constraints.
Teacher Training
Our proposed teacher training initiative adopts a comprehensive approach, positioning educators at the forefront of our strategy to foster a supportive and understanding school environment.
With our training, we aim to:
- Support teachers in ensuring their own well-being
- Enable teachers to support their students
By prioritizing the mental health of teachers, our program aims not only to enhance their ability to support their students but also to ensure their own resilience and well-being in the face of daily challenges.
Parental Engagement
Our approach to parent engagement, particularly through collaborations with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), recognizes parents as pivotal decision-makers in their children’s education and well-being.
By collaborating with PTAs, we aim to:
- Recognize parents as pivotal decision-makers in their children’s education and well-being
- Dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health issues
- Empower parents with adequate information and resources
- Encourage open discussions about mental health
Through our partnerships with PTAs, we strive to create a supportive network that not only acknowledges the challenges of mental health but also champions the well-being of every student.