Staying positive, serving others can boost mental health in youths

WHEN I hear adolescents and young adults say that they have suicidal tendencies due to peer and societal pressure, and loneliness, I often wonder what could possibly lead them to think of ending their lives at so young an age.

A student burst into tears in class recently when I said that I never gave preferential treatment or had favourites in class in the 20-odd years that I have been teaching. She had asked me whether I liked the presentation of others better during an assignment.

It is apparent that our young ones are fragile in heart and mind. We must support and motivate them to build their confidence.

It is more serious in the “real world”. The decline in mental health is obvious in the younger generation.

Of course, some excel in everything they do and we read about their achievements daily in the media. But a substantial number of youths face difficulty each day. More often than not, they come from broken families or low-income households.

The achievement bar has been set so high in every aspect of life that the pressure on these youths is tremendous.

While social media celebrates the accomplishments of those who succeed, it also brings forth the discontent and unhappiness of the unlucky ones.

The pursuit of perfection is the core of one’s wellbeing. This struggle causes one to be disappointed and frustrated, resulting in negativity and developing obsessive-compulsive disorder.

My advice to students and youths is, you are what you are and what you have not achieved does not define you.

Control your emotions and get your thinking straight. We are here in this world to be of service to others. As long as you strive to do this daily, surely someone will reach out to you.

Think about what you can do to make life better for others and you will think less of your own troubles.

Take life as it is, but promise to yourself that you will make every effort to be better and happier tomorrow.

Be “sejahtera” in heart and soul. SUZANAH ABDUL RAHMAN Dean and professor, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang