Embrace our role in cultivating mental wellness

AS highlighted by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye in his letter “Cultivating good mental health starts from young” (The Star, April 25), efforts to raise awareness about mental well-being are invaluable in fostering a healthy and positive society.

Undoubtedly, parents play a pivotal role as primary influencers in a child’s life. Their love and care are instrumental in nurturing their children’s mental health.

Homes filled with joy, laughter and happiness foster a positive environment where children feel secure while expressing their emotions or seeking help. Conversely, children raised in environments rife with arguments and fault-finding often experience feelings of insecurity and defensiveness, leading to unstable mental states.

It’s imperative for parents to adopt healthy coping mechanisms and self-care practices and share these valuable skills with their children to help them learn how to manage their own mental well-being.

Open communication and active listening will enable parents to understand their children’s needs and provide the appropriate support.

In cases where professional guidance is necessary, parents must be proactive in seeking help, as mental health intricately impacts physical well-being, including quality of sleep and functioning of the immune system.

Given that schools serve as a second home for children, teachers, who spend a lot of time with them, play a crucial role in observing and nurturing their mental health development. Establishing a classroom environment that is free from bullying, discrimination or neglect is paramount.

Incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum will equip students with essential skills such as empathy, self-awareness and problem-solving. Collaboration among teachers, parents and mental health professionals ensures a comprehensive approach to supporting children’s mental health.

Furthermore, it is vital to underscore the significance of mental health for adults since they are the role models for their children.

When they prioritise their own mental well-being, they would be able to provide better support to the younger generation while reducing the risk of perpetuating unhealthy coping mechanisms or stigmatising attitudes toward mental illness.

EE FUI MEI

Bukit Beruang, Melaka