TEACHERS and educators must be better equipped to spot the early signs of mental health struggles among young people before they escalate into a crisis.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo said such signs could include a student suddenly becoming withdrawn, experiencing a drop in grades, losing interest in activities or showing changes in sleeping patterns or behaviour.
He said the growing pressures faced by young people, including stress, bullying and other challenges, meant educators had an important role in identifying those who may need help.
“Many times, the first person to notice that something is not right is not a doctor or psychologist.
“It may be a teacher, lecturer, school counsellor or even a friend,” he said.
Jagdeep was speaking at a press conference at Komtar, George Town, to announce the Mental Health First Aid Programme.
It will be held at Stonyhurst International School Penang in Tanjung Tokong on Sept 19 from 7.30am to 6pm.
The programme aims to give educators the knowledge and confidence to recognise mental health concerns, approach students, listen to them and help them access the right support.
“We are not asking our teachers or educators to become psychologists or counsellors.
“What we want is for them to be able to recognise the early signs,” he said.
Jagdeep said mental health should not only be addressed when a young person was in crisis.
Instead, he said, schools needed to foster an environment where students felt comfortable speaking up when they were struggling and knowing there was an adult willing to listen.
The programme is organised by the Rotary Club of Georgetown, ICCHP Asia and Stonyhurst International School Penang, with GAMA Supermarket & Departmental Store as sponsor.
Jagdeep said he hoped the initiative would be the start of sustained efforts to raise mental health awareness in schools and other educational institutions across Penang.
“I hope this programme will be the beginning of more awareness and more conversations about mental health in our education system,” he said.
Rotary Club of Georgetown foundation chairman Dr Synthia Surin described mental health as a “silent pandemic” that had not received enough attention.
She said there was particular concern over suicide among younger people.
“I am first-hand dealing with suicide, and the suicide rates are going up. Sadly, it is increasing among the younger ones,” she said.
Synthia said the Rotary Club aimed at supporting not only international and national schools, but also wider efforts across Penang to empower communities in responding to mental health concerns.
Rotary Club of Georgetown president Howard J. Roscoe said the programme attracted just over 100 participants so far.
He said the initial invitations to international schools had been sent towards the end of their summer break, while some schools had also reported not receiving the invitations.
New invitations have since been sent to international and government schools to encourage greater participation.
Registration is open until Sept 15.
Jagdeep said he hoped educators from across Penang would take the opportunity to participate.
“If we can help one young person before they reach a crisis, then this programme is already worthwhile,” he said.
