It is a worrying concern that our youth are increasingly finding life meaningless.
Youths who are in a crisis often share their
struggles and anxieties with peers who may not be well equipped to counsel and
advice them.
Some of those who read worrying threads posted on
social media can be insensitive or may lack education on mental health issues
and therefore pass unkind or ignorant comments that can push troubled youths to
end their lives.
As a staunch mental health advocate and a volunteer
at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), I always intervene on insensitive
postings and strive to raise awareness of the distressed one’s state
instead.
The negative threads usually cease after that, and
I find that this is just one way we can change perceptions and save
lives.
I follow closely the reports and stories published
by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which has its head quarters
in America. They produce excellent programmes and services that have
helped thousands of Americans.
Recently, they came up with a brilliant idea on how
texting through mobile phones can help those who are suicidal.
NAMI reported that in the U.S.A., teenagers send an
average of 100 texts per day—3,100 per month. It’s a concise, direct form of
communication that helps contain emotional situations. It doesn’t put anyone on
the spot or demand immediate answers.
The success of the programme can be seen in how
hundreds of thousands of teenagers have used Crisis Text Line for 24/7 crisis
interventions in the last 3 years. The average exchange lasts about an hour, or
if there’s a risk of suicide, as long as necessary.
Such a unique service can be most helpful to our
own youths here in Singapore, who are constantly on their phones.
Let us learn from success stories and provide
better structural support for the mentally ill or distressed.
RAYMOND
ANTHONY FERNANDO
No comments:
Post a Comment