The topic I am going to share with you today is Mental Health. You may think that this is none of my business as I am very healthy. But do you know good health includes mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life.
Living in Hong Kong, one of the most vibrant cities in the world with much to offer, however there seems to be an underlying anxiety prevailing syndrome which affects how people think. A lot more needs to be done to make people aware that untreated anxiety can lead to long term issues with which all sorts of mental illnesses can be associated.
Does anyone know that each year, on the day of 10thOctober, the World Health Organization (WHO) organizes a Mental Health Day ? The theme of the Mental Health Day this year 2018 is Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World. That means you are the focus group. But why ? Are the youth more vulnerable to get mental illnesses ?
Actually, most of the youngsters, like you, are facing many changes, for example changing schools, or starting university or a new job. And most important of all, for those senior class students, you are now facing the DSE examination. For many, these are exciting times. They can be times of stress. In some cases, if not recognized and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness. Because examination stress may also cause anxiety which can induce mental stress.
Besides examination stress, the thing we have to take notice of is the amount of time you spend on the internet-experiencing cyber crimes, cyber bullying, and playing violent video games. Because of this, some of you may suffer from gaming disorder which you do not know.
Gaming disorder is defined as a pattern of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, (i.e. you cannot stop playing video or digital games) increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences such as the tense relationship with parents or poor examination results.
After examining the causes of mental illness among youngsters, lets stop and check if you or your friends are experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors which can be an early warning sign of a problem:
1. Eating or sleeping too much or too little
2. Pulling away from people and usual activities
3. Having low or no energy
4. Feeling numb or like nothing matters
5. Having unexplained aches and pains
6. Feeling helpless or hopeless
7. Yelling or fighting with family and friends
So what can you do if you are experiencing one or more of the above warning signs?
For those who play too much video games, the first thing you have to do is to alert to the amount of time you spend on gaming activities, particularly when it is to the exclusion of other daily activities, as well as to any changes in your physical or psychological health and social functioning that could be attributed to your pattern of gaming behavior.
For those DSE candidates, you should all know that everyone has pressure. We teachers have pressure. The key is to know how to release it.
Now, I am going to suggest you the ways to maintain positive mental health.
1. Talk to someone you trust about your feelings.
2. Seek professional help. Social workers at school or doctor
3. Stay connected. Keep in contact with family and friends
4. Exercise regularly, even if it is just a short walk
5. Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits
6. Expand your social circle
7. Stay positive
The key is to have a positive attitude towards everything.
Remember when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Lastly, do not get addicted to playing video games or surfing internet.
This week is Mental Health week of our school. There will be lunch time activities. If you want to know more about mental health and the ways to release pressure, please join the activities held at covered playground.
This is the end of my sharing. Thank you.
Miss Chan Lai Ha |