All times shown are in Singapore time (GMT +8. Convert time zone here)
Information is accurate as of 19 May 2022
08:30 - 08:35
08:35 - 08:45
08:45 - 09:30
Session 1
State of Youth Mental Health and Challenges in Access to and Provision of Interventions
There is a global surge in mental health difficulties among youths, that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-reported mental health issues are more prevalent among young people compared to other age groups and research shows that the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression is higher among young people than the general population. Young people are facing mental health effects as a result of the challenges experienced by their generation, notwithstanding the pandemic that has led to constraints in the access to and provision of mental health services, resulting in a mental health crisis for many countries.
Panellists
Moderator
09:30 – 09:40
Break
09:40 – 10:25
Session 2
The Digital World – Friend or Foe?
Research shows that the overuse of digital technology, particularly in the form of social media, contributes to mental health problems. Isolation, anxiety and compulsive behaviour are some of the negative effects associated with social media use among youths. Yet, technology also presents opportunities for improved access to care; reduced stigma associated with seeking mental health services; clinical innovation that enhances treatment options and intervention for youth mental health. What may seem like a contradiction – using the technology to solve the problems that it has created – could in fact be an opportunity.
Panellists
Moderator
10:25 – 11:10
Session 3
Beyond Awareness: Greater Mental Health Support for Youths
In recent years, mental health has garnered much traction among youths in Singapore, through nationwide anti-stigma campaigns such as “Beyond the Label”, and youth-led ground up initiatives such as the “Youth Action Challenge” and “Youth Mental Wellbeing Network”. Moving beyond awareness efforts in mental health advocacy, youths hope to see a society free of mental health stigma and receive stronger support from institutions such as schools, workplaces, as well as online and physical communities.
Panellists
Moderator
11:10 – 11:20
Calls To Action
CTA 1: Campus PSY Ambassador Programme
Facilitator: Cho Ming Xiu, Founder & Executive Director, Campus PSY
Volunteers undergo a 2-week online training programme in basic mental health literacy, peer support skills, suicide response, self-care strategies and trauma-informed care. Upon completion of the training, they will be certified as Campus PSY Ambassadors and will be able to provide basic emotional support to distressed youths through Campus PSY’s one-stop “By Youths, For Youths” Ecosystem Peer Support for Youths service, consisting of text-based, email and video conferencing platforms.
CTA 2: KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) Youth Connect Programme
Facilitator: Dr Vicknesan Marimuttu, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Head, Child & Adolescent Mental Wellness Service, Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
The Youth Connect programme aims to produce a set of resources to support and help young persons aged 10 to 18 years old with common life challenges. Through online and/or in person focus group discussions, volunteers contribute insights that can help KKH craft resources which are engaging and helpful for youths facing difficulties with life challenges or mental health issues.
CTA 3: Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) #ChatSafe Programme
Facilitator: Eric Tan, Director (Advocacy, Communications, Engagement), Samaritans of Singapore
Equip volunteers with the relevant skills and knowledge to engage positively with suicide-related online content as well as manage one's own mental health, while reaching out and supporting those in distress around them.