By Athirah Mohammad
GOMBAK, 8 November 2020: Mental health and well-being among adolescents have become a cause for concerns especially during this ongoing pandemic, Mr. Akif Basri, a clinical psychologist at Psychology Clinic Azlina, said on Saturday.
Akif Basri was speaking in a talk conducted online entitled œAdolescents Mental Health and Well-being during Pandemic Era which highlighted the necessity for mental health awareness among adolescents.
“Not feeling okay does not indicate abnormality as everyone has his or her own story and experience to tell. However those who are feeling down for two consecutive weeks may likely have depressive symptoms,” Akif Basri said.
œSuicide is the second leading cause of death among youth 15 to 24 years old, Akif Basri told the audience. “It shows that this is becoming a serious issue involving adolescents.”
He stated that there is an increase of death due to suicide among 18-year olds during the first three months of lockdown in the United Kingdom.
In his talk, Akif Basri enlightened the audience on how the pandemic had really affected adolescents well-being and why help must always be given to those who suffered from mental health.
He highlighted that in facing mental health among the community it is important to show empathy and unconditional love and acceptance. “We should offer support and motivational words that can boost their spirit to face life,” he said.
Based on the National Child Mortality Database 2020, he indicated that the risk factors include stress at home, unable to do activities with friends, low treatment and support, isolation and not being able to go to school.
Concluding his talk, Akif Basri reminded the audience to also pray and increase their level of iman because “no matter how much support that we get from others to face the test, what remains is the help from Allah SWT.”
Organised by the Council of Counselling Students IIUM (CCSI IIUM), this programme was held in conjunction with National Counselling Month 2020 aimed at educating and creating awareness among the campus community regarding mental health issues.
The forum, conducted using Google Meet and Facebook live, was moderated by Afiq Danial.
Any inquiries may be referred to their Instagram account at @ccsiiium_ ***