Befrienders: Teens not consulting right parties

JOHOR BARU: Teenagers are not consulting with the right parties when dealing with mental health issues fearing they may be deemed problematic, says Befrienders Johor Baru.

The group is concerned teenagers are not addressing their problems properly, said president Sim Ah Moi.

She added that they rarely received any call from teenagers although the young ones are at higher risk of committing suicide.

“There has been an increase in the number of emails we received from teenagers but the number of calls remain almost non-existent.

“Although there are counsellors in schools they could talk to, many choose not to meet them as they fear being seen as being ‘problematic’ in eyes of their peers,” she said when contacted yesterday.

She pointed out the tragic death of a teenager from Sarawak who killed herself after respondents to an online poll encouraged her to do so, showed the immediate need to address mental health challenges among youths.

“Social media is a double-edged sword that can either help or harm those with suicidal thoughts.

“On one hand, it provides a platform where people can reach out or find help, but it can also push those over the edge,” she said.

Sim also lauded calls to set up an alert system to notify concerned parties of suicidal postings on social media.

Befrienders Johor Baru will also be launching its WhatsApp line to reach out to more teenagers in distress.

“We have started training our volunteers in preparation for the WhatsApp line as writing or texting to those in distress may be different from talking directly with them on the phone,” she said.