The 10th of October was World Mental Health Awareness Day and the Graduate School of Psychology Assumption University of Thailand was happy to take part along with the student volunteers to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and our responsibility as psychology students and counselors to help decrease stigma about seeking mental health support on this year's theme "Dignity in Mental Health."
In connection to this, we set up a booth at The Assumption University Bangna Campus to raise awareness among the undergraduate students and assist them with free testing and interactive activities.
This year it is also the aim of the world health organization to stop the stigma and that people with mental health condition can be able to live with dignity as well as provide them with sufficient support. The aim is to be able to provide healthcare professionals with appropriate and adequate training to be able to respond to every need.
Every year, the Graduate School of Psychology, Assumption University of Thailand helps create public awareness and reaches out to the younger generation so they can be informed about the importance of mental healthcare and to seek support when needed.
Qualified volunteers assisted the students as well as some of the staff take free testing on stress, happiness and provided them with information and follow up assistance should there be any questions regarding the result of the test.
There was also a movie presentation about suicide prevention, body image and depression as well as information on how and where to seek help. We also hand out bookmarks with positive affirmation and useful school supplies to serve as positive reinforcements for their participation.
The students also took part in interactive activities such as writing positive affirmation and sharing it on our "what makes you happy" board. They also took part in our survey as well as come by the booth to ask and talk about mental health related issues and how can they, as young people be able to help raise awareness.
We were also graced with the presence of distinguished psychology professors and counselors from the student affairs who also provided us with more information regarding possible collaboration, workshops and symposiums which would benefit the students.
All in all, we are very happy for the positive outcome of the event. The students as well as some of the staff from Assumption University of Thailand Bangna Campus welcome the team with warmth and although the students were busy with their exams, some of them came by to show their support.
The team had a wonderful experience reaching out to the public, providing information about the importance of mental health and by showing that as future counselors we are prepared to take part on the band of mental health professionals help stop stigma and assure that people with mental health condition will be provided with appropriate support and too live with dignity. Job well done team! your effort and service are so much appreciated as well as to our professors and adviser who gave their support to make this event possible.
“Life is a kaleidoscope. Turn your head a different angle and see it a whole new way.”
–Anonymous
