‘Take children’s mental health seriously’

Carrie Ann: It is sad to see parents and teachers being dismissive of the fact that teens and young adults can be mentally unwell.

“THAT’S the stupidest thing someone could ever say.”

I stared at my dad in horror as he uttered this. My parents are open-minded and understanding, but why do they seem so clueless when it comes to this issue?

We were hanging out in the living room when a television programme on mental illness came on. It was about a young woman who suffered from various mental health issues.

Among the many things she said, this particular remark triggered my dad: “I feel like I’m useless, and it’s a pain to keep living. Hence, I thought it would be better to just end my life.”

I know a lot of people who might have the same thought as my dad upon hearing that.

According to the Global Health Data Exchange, it is estimated that one in seven (or 14%) of those aged from 10 to 19 worldwide experience mental health conditions, yet these remain largely unrecognised and untreated.

Mental disorders include anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders.

Despite the fact that mental health is being emphasised widely, the mindset possessed by some of the older generation is disconcerting. It is sad to see parents and teachers being dismissive of the fact that teens and young adults can be mentally unwell.

While there are those who frown upon mental illness, worse are the ones who pretend to be understanding.

The latter would talk about the importance of caring for their students’ or children’s mental health. However, behind closed doors, you would hear all sorts of negative comments.

This is common in a typical school setting, where many teachers label their students as “lazy bums” and complain that the millennials are “weak” when in reality, their students might be suffering from depression and anxiety.

You could see this during family gatherings too.

How many times have you heard an adult, upon reading the news, criticising those who contemplated taking their own lives?

“He is just 13 years old. He can’t possibly have any stress.”

“She managed to score 6As in the SPM. Why did she attempt suicide?”

The thing that befuddles me is that some of these adults, including my relatives, have no issues showing empathy for their peers who have anger management or anxiety problems.

In their minds, being an adult seemingly unlocks a whole stash of “privileges”. When would these adults understand that mental illness can strike anybody regardless of age and background?

“The young generation nowadays are weak. Back in our days, we just got over the hurdles by ourselves.”

I sigh inwardly every time I hear this from those uncles and aunties.

First of all, life was much simpler back then and the competition was not as fierce as it is now.

With school, extra classes and tuition to attend, and co-curricular activities to take part in, most students barely have a breather.

To make things worse, the Covid-19 pandemic brought about movement restrictions for close to two years, resulting in students being cooped up at home for long periods, missing out on social interactions with some struggling to keep up with online learning.

It is rather peculiar that the millennials are more accepting and understanding when it comes to mental health issues compared to the adults.

I always feel encouraged when I see my peers share posts about mental health or when I see a tweet on the subject receive positive comments.

Instead of circulating unverified news on WhatsApp and spamming family groups with irrelevant videos, why wouldn’t adults share mental health symptoms or ways to reach out to those coping with mental illness?

Is it really that hard to accept that mental health is as important as physical health? Is it that difficult to validate a student’s feelings all because you cannot see his or her scars on flesh?

In the midst of this chaotic pandemic, it would be truly helpful if everyone could take mental health seriously.

1. What are some healthy ways to cope with daily stress?

Create a list of five. You may look in The Star newspaper for suggestions of activities to include in your list.

When you are done, compare your list with your activity partner.

Do you find each other’s lists helpful?

2. Using words and pictures from The Star, design a poster to raise awareness of mental health issues.

In your poster, you must include three healthy ways to cope with daily stress (choose from Activity 1 above). Be as creative as possible.

When you are done, present your work to your teacher or English language society, and have it pinned up on your school noticeboard.

Alternatively, email a photograph of your poster to us at starnie@ thestar.com.my.

Provide your full name, age and the state you are from. By submitting an entry, you stand a chance of being featured on this page!

Those suffering from problems can reach out to Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp [phone]); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre (WhatsApp [phone]); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours).

Carrie Ann, 21, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. Throughout the year-long programme, participants aged between 14 and 22 from all across the country experience life as journalists, contributing ideas, conducting interviews, and completing writing assignments. They get to earn bylines, attend workshops, and extend their social networks. To join Star-NiE’s online youth community, go to facebook.com/niebrats.