THE post-Covid-19 period has presented unique challenges and concerns for children and adolescents in terms of mental health . Some specific observations include heightened anxiety and fear related to the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic , disruptions in regular routines , and the potential impacts of social isolation .

Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association ( MIASA ) President & Founder Anita Abu Bakar said academic stress has also intensified with the transition to remote learning , and there is an increased prevalence of technology-related issues , such as screen fatigue and excessive screen time .

To address these challenges , MIASA hopes to implement a multifaceted strategy which includes :

• Training for the teachers and schools ’ staff - This aims to provide enhanced mental health support within educational settings by giving more training to the teachers and schools ’ staff , such as Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid .

• Creating safe spaces - Establishing safe and inclusive spaces within educational settings where students feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns is paramount . Key components include encouraging open conversations , destigmatising mental health discussions , and promoting a supportive atmosphere .

• Peer Support Programmes - Establishing peer support programs or mentoring initiatives where students can provide support to other students . Positive peer relationships can contribute significantly to the mental well-being of students .

• Mental Health Youth Advocacy - This involves empowering students to advocate for mental health awareness and support within

Recognising the importance of including young voices in discussions surrounding mental health , we believe that these advocates , being in close proximity to the target demographic , hold invaluable insights .”

– Anita Abu Bakar

their school communities . MIASA has done its pilot programme on Youth Advocacy Programme training . This initiative is to help the students take a proactive role in organising and leading mental health initiatives within the school . Additionally , community-based programme is also very needed to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help . These programmes involve collaboration with NGOs , mental health professionals , educators , and parents to create a network of support for children and adolescents . Parental involvement is crucial , and there are plans to offer resources and workshops to help parents navigate conversations about mental health with their children and recognise potential signs of distress . Besides , regarding technology-related challenges , striking a balance by promoting healthy technology use and incorporating mindfulness practices is also very needed . This involves educating parents and children about setting boundaries for screen time , encouraging outdoor activities , and providing resources for maintaining a healthy digital lifestyle .

IMPORTANCE OF YOUNG VOICES IN DISCUSSIONS

Describing MIASA ’ s other initiatives , Anita said they had taken a proactive step in fostering mental health awareness by initiating the MIASA Young Advocates for Mental Health Programme . This six-month initiative is designed to cultivate advocates for mental health within the student community , comprising two cohorts catering to secondary school and university students .

“ The comprehensive programme provides a valuable opportunity for students to delve into various facets of mental health advocacy work . Participants actively shadow different team

members , engage in events , and contribute to campaigns throughout the programme .

“ We staunchly champion this concept of nurturing advocates from within our youth community , epitomised by our Young Advocates for Mental Health Programme . Geared towards teenagers and young adults , this initiative aims to equip interested individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become advocates in the mental health field .

“ Recognising the importance of including young voices in discussions surrounding mental health , we believe that these advocates , being in close proximity to the target demographic , hold invaluable insights . Their perspectives can significantly contribute to the development of effective strategies for reaching and educating their peers on mental health issues , ensuring the most relevant and impactful support is provided .”

As for school-based mental health initiatives , she said MIASA has been implementing targeted mental health programmes , including interactive talks and engaging workshops designed specifically for school children . The programmes incorporate age-appropriate content , interactive activities , and open discussions to ensure students ’ impactful and relatable learning experiences .

It also includes educator and parental engagement . These sessions are tailored to provide teachers and parents with valuable insights into understanding , identifying , and addressing mental health issues in children .

" Furthermore we collaborate closely with the Ministry of Education , aligning our initiatives with national priorities to address and mitigate mental health challenges among school children collectively . This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and coordinated effort toward promoting the mental well-being of the younger generation ." – The Health