Mind Matters Network, with the support of Malaysia Mental Health Association (MMHA), Make it Right Movement (MIRM), and the National Coalition for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW) initiated by Rotary Malaysia has launched a handbook on youth mental health in Malaysia.
The Handbook on Youth Mental Health, written by Prof Dr Philip George, Dr Sabrina Lizy Fernandez and a medical student, Sharrada Segeran provides an insightful view on youth mental health from three different perspectives. This is the first time in Malaysia a handbook on youth mental health is co-authored by youth themselves. The handbook aims to help youth, parents, counsellors and healthcare professionals better understand and manage their mental health post-pandemic to adapt to the new normal.
“Youth mental health is an often-ignored area of health as many have limited understanding and knowledge that this transition period to adulthood is very stressful. What we as a community need to do is to empower youth with the knowledge and skills,” said Prof Dr Philip George, advisor of Mind Matters Network in a statement.
The book is available for free to reach as many youths as possible, and a Bahasa Malaysia version is in the pipeline. The handbook is being released as a hard copy version and an ebook that can be accessed through the Mind Matters Network website (https://www.mindmattersmy.org).
“This book aimed primarily at youth is one of our projects at Mind Matters Network aligned with one of our main missions to improve mental health literacy in Malaysia. Mind Matters Network strives to translate scientific studies into practice through bite-sized education materials that enhance the understanding of youth in our community regarding mental health based on research,” said Sharrada Segeran, Director of Mind Matters Network and Chair of the Youth Task Force of NCMW.
“NCMW holds the mission to promote mental health initiatives through education, support and advocacy with the vision to support the community with better understanding of mental health, provide resources and learning opportunities for early intervention and advocate improved support for mental health care,” said NCMW Founding Member and Protem Chairman Siti Subaidah.
