KUCHING: Many children and adolescents face mental health issues and it’s important for society to understand and collectively tackle these problems.
Mental Health Association of Sarawak (MHAS) advisor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said many have highlighted the challenges facing the young like depression, anxiety to behavioural issues and addiction.
“As I delve into this, it is evident that a significant portion of our youth grapple with mental health issues, exacerbated by the aftermath of Covid-19.
“Additionally, in regards to mental disorders, the youth unfortunately remain shrouded in stigma, uncluding in Sarawak,” he said.
He was speaking at the opening of the 15th International Conference on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (ICCAP) 2023 at Pullman Hotel here today.
Wee, who is the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor, said platforms such as the conference serve as beacons, lighting up the path towards greater mental health awareness among the youth and advocating evidence-based interventions.
“The silver lining is the emergence of several prevention and intervention programmes tailored for diverse mental disorders. Thus, it pleases my heart to see practitioners in full force today,” he said.
Wee said the synergy between practitioners and scientists is pivotal in fostering the psychological wellbeing of the future generations.
“However, this journey, as crucial as it is, is not one to be taken alone. Collaboration is the key. Let us form strong partnerships among researchers, practitioners, policymakers and the community at large.
“Let us listen to the voices of our young ones, advocate their needs, and actively work to dismantle the barriers they face, be it stigma or lack of access to care.
“With every intervention, research study and awareness campaign, we inch closer to a world where our children can thrive mentally, emotionally and socially,” he said.
The three-day conference is organised by the School of Psychology, University of Roehampton London, United Kingdom attracting participation from 32 countries.
ICCAP 2023 organising and scientific committees chair and Professor of Developmental Psychopathology and the Research Lead for Applied Research and Assessment in Child and Adolescent Wellbeing at the University of Roehampton, United Kingdom Dr Cecilia Essau was among those present.
