政府新闻
心理健康论坛上海开幕 2023-08-29
A panel discussion on mental resilience held by The Expatriate Center and Shanghai International Mental Health Association in Shanghai on Aug 26.
People from all walks of life attended a discussion with experts regarding the maintenance of mental, emotional and spiritual well-being in Shanghai on Aug 26.
The one-day event, which was jointly hosted by The Expatriate Center and the Shanghai International Mental Health Association, opened with a panel discussion between psychologists, and counselors and experts on mental health strategies.
Jana Van Zyl, head of Student Support and Designated Safeguarding Lead at YCIS Shanghai Puxi, said that the biggest priority in international schools is teaching self-awareness so that children are able to identify what their triggers are and where their strengths lie.
Jiang Wei, chief physician and clinical instructor at Duke University Medical School Hospital, stressed the importance of paying attention to symptoms.
Participants discuss mental health problems prevailing in areas like parents, youth, workplace and women.
"For kids, they may not be able to tell you that 'I'm anxious' or 'I'm feeling down' or 'I'm depressed'. Rather, it's very common to see kids who have anxiety tell you they want to go to bathroom," she said.
Some children are facing excessive pressure as their parents' expectations of them are too high, added Jiang.
In terms of barriers to mental health, Hanna Kiviniemi, who has worked in Finland as a family counselor and therapist for 14 years, spoke about the shame that comes with getting emotional.
"We all have the right to scream to show our emotions. Women live longer than men because they release their emotions more," she said.
Participants were then split into four groups to discuss mental health problems related to adolescents, parents, women and the workplace.
"To provide more effective mental health services, it's necessary to listen to the needs of specific groups like women, children and the elderly," said Monica Ma, who has over 10 years of experience as a psychiatrist.
Source: China Daily
