Escalating Mental Health Services for Youth in Thailand due to Increasing Anxiety and Depression Trends
Redefining Mental Health: The Youth Mind Leader Network Tackles Young Thais' Silent Battle
On a mission to combat the rising levels of stress and depression among Thailand's young population, the Youth Mind Leader Network project has kicked off. This groundbreaking initiative is a joint effort between the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Mindventure.
From classrooms and community gatherings to digital platforms, the project's activities aim at cultivating caring skills among young people, nurturing personal as well as collective mental wellbeing. To make a significant impact, the network plans to expand its reach to over 140,000 Thai youth nationwide.
Pairoj Saonuam, the deputy CEO of ThaiHealth, highlighted the urgent need for mental health support, as young adults aged between 18 and 24 are at a greater risk of stress and depression, with rates of 24.5% and 26.9%, respectively[1]。 The initiative encourages the young nation to value mental health equally to their physical health, with the ultimate aim of fostering a holistic, stable foundation for life.
With a belief that mutual care within the adolescent community can pave a way for potential growth, Pairoj emphasized the importance of the Youth Mind Leader Network in facilitating peer exchanges, creating an ideal setting for mental health discussions and life lessons sharing[2]。 The project aims to foster a powerful learning environment that sparks positive change and innovation in the future.
Chanakarn Kachonseree, the head of the Youth Mind Leader Network project, underscored the profound relationship between mental health and overall wellness[3]。 In keeping with this mission, the project focuses on reducing stress levels through activities that promote self-care and empathetic interactions with others.
The Mind Leader training programme, which has been conducted for two generations, mobilizes 30 participants aged between 15 and 25. Additionally, the initiative includes mental health risk assessments and professional assistance for those in need through Mindventure's official Line account[3]。
Kantaporn Kachonseree, the co-founder of Mindventure, praised the profound transformation she witnessed among the participants. Initially, they possessed limited knowledge of mental health, but after the training, they have developed remarkable skills in self-awareness, emotional resilience, and active listening[3]。
The social impact activities, including training sessions, short films, and online content, not only showcase the participants' growth but also impart positive change to over 140,000 people[3]。 In the pursuit of a lasting impact, Kantaporn expressed gratitude for ThaiHealth's continuous support in establishing a youth mental health leadership network.
Additional Insights:
The Youth Mind Leader Network is a reflective example of the growing need for mental health awareness among young populations. Initiatives such as these encourage education, advocacy, and community engagement to cultivate a supportive environment for open discussions about mental health, ultimately aiming to break the stigma surrounding the subject.
To further boost these efforts, other strategies often include:
- Education and Awareness: The provision of workshops, seminars, or online resources to teach young people about mental health conditions, their effects, and coping mechanisms.
- Community Engagement: Organizing activities that promote mental well-being, such as sports, mindfulness exercises, or creative expression, to create a nurturing environment.
- Support Systems: Establishing peer support groups or counseling services where young people can openly discuss their experiences and receive guidance.
- Policy Advocacy: Working collaboratively with schools and local authorities to implement policies that support mental health education and services tailored to young people.
- The Youth Mind Leader Network initiative, driven by ThaiHealth and Mindventure, supports the health-and-wellness of Thailand's youth by cultivating caring skills and nurturing both individual and collective mental health, with a goal of reaching over 140,000 young Thais.
- Recognizing the importance of mental health on physical health, Chanakarn Kachonseree, the head of the Youth Mind Leader Network project, advocates for a holistic approach in reducing stress levels and promoting self-care, empathetic interactions, and mental health discussions among the youth.
- Through initiatives like the Mind Leader training program, the Youth Mind Leader Network fosters education-and-self-development among participants, focusing on developing skills in self-awareness, emotional resilience, and active listening, with the ultimate goal of creating a supportive environment and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
