Did you know that mental health
profoundly shapes our lives, and it encompasses of our thoughts, emotions, and
life navigation? As defined by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
(2023), mental health includes psychological, emotional, and social well-being.
Neglecting it leads to anxiety, depression, and concentration difficulties; the
first year of COVID-19 alone saw a 25% increase in these issues (World Health
Organisation, 2022).
This post emphasizes the key
roles of early and continuing education, relentless work of mental health
organisations, supportive community, and strategic social media use in
promoting mental health awareness. We also
aim in this post to dismantle stigmas, promote understanding, and advocate for
resource accessibility. The ensuing discussion will explore effective ways to
achieve this goal!
Early
and Continuing Education
Firstly, early and continuing education in mental health
plays a fundamental role in building a society that is well-informed and
supportive of mental well-being. Early intervention, such as implementation in
school-based programs not only teaches emotional intelligence but also instils crucial
skills for children in managing stress, navigating relationships, and
understanding one's emotions (Gadermann et al., 2019). In addition to this,
continuing education through workplace and community also can help foster
awareness, promoting a culture of understanding about the mental health,
building resilience, and preventing mental health disorders for those at risk.
Such efforts collectively contribute to a healthier, more resilient population
in addressing mental health challenges across different stages of life (Black
et al., 2021).
Mental Health Organisation
Next
is mental health organisation. This organisation play a crucial role in fostering
and sustaining mental well-being; they offer essential services such as
counseling, therapy, education, and advocacy to help individuals facing mental
health challenges. Through their tireless advocacy work, it aims to improve
access to mental health care, promote inclusivity and address systemic issues
contributing to mental health disparities. In addition to advocacy work, these
organisation offer essential counseling services that focus on providing a safe
place for individuals to express their thoughts and emotions, offering guidance
and coping strategies. Through their multifaceted efforts, mental health organisations
contribute significantly to fostering a culture of awareness, acceptance, and
support for those affected by mental health conditions.
Community
Another
fruitful way to promote mental health awareness is through the community. Open
and healthy communities can foster honest and open conversations about mental
health, thereby breaking down the stigma surrounding it. Being part of such
community gives us with a sense of belonging and an identity, which is crucial
for a person’s emotional well-being. Connecting with community members to share
feelings during challenging times can lighten your mental burden and unload the
heaviness in your heart. Humans are meant to be social beings, and the
connections between individuals are vital for mental health.
Social Media
Lastly
is through the use of social media; it is a platform that can be reached
without any time constraints and at zero cost. According to the study conducted
in 2011, it was found that 22% of teenagers log on to their favourite social
media platform more than ten times a day, whereas half of adolescents log on to
social site more than once a day (O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011). Thus, this
makes social media an effective and efficient piece of tool in spreading mental
health awareness.
Social media serves as a real-time platform for mental health organizations and the community to disseminate resources widely and accessibly. However, caution must be exercised in sharing information to avoid harmful pseudo-science.
Conclusion
As we wrap up, it's evident that promoting mental health awareness is a shared responsibility that involves education, collaboration, and leveraging the digital age's powerful tools. Early and continuing education equips individuals with the knowledge to recognise, understand, and respond to mental health challenges. Whilst mental health organisations and the community serve as pillars of support, offering resources and assistance to those in need. Additionally, social media is a powerful platform to disseminate awareness on mental health.
Let us carry forward the lessons from this discussion into our communities, classrooms, and online spaces. By doing that, we're not just talking about mental health, we are actively making it a part of our world. So, here's to breaking down barriers, challenging old ideas, and creating a culture that truly cares about mental well-being.
References
2. Centres for Dieses Control and Prevention. (2023, April). About Mental Health. U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services. Centres for Dieses Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
3. O’Keeffe, G. S., & Clarke-Pearson, K. (2011). The impact of social
media on children, adolescents, and families. Pediatrics, 127(4),
800–804. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-0054,between%202020%2C%202021%20and%202022
4. Thomson, K., Richardson, C. G., Gadermann, A. M., Emerson, S. D., Shoveller, J., & Guhn, M. (2019). Association of Childhood Social-Emotional functioning Profiles at School entry with Early-Onset Mental Health Conditions. JAMA Network Open, 2(1), e186694. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.6694
5. World Health Organisation. (2022, March 2). COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide: Wake-up call to all countries to step up mental health services and support. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide
Group Members :
1. Aina Zulaikha Binti Zuhaidi (JG/12790/22)
2. Devikala A/P Anathurai (JG/11907/21)
3. Harikumar Katherasen (WE/JK/172/22)
4. Mohd Haniff Izwan Bin Mat Sukkri (JK/13343/20)
5. Muhamad `Ikrimah Bin Haji Shamsuddin (JG/11981/21)
6. Wan Nur Shafiqah Binti Kamaruddin (JG/13069/22)
