The training project on preventing mental health problems for students in mountainous areas of Ha Tinh province has been successfully implemented.

During the training session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Hang and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi Hong Thai, along with two teaching assistants, MSc. Dr. Tran Van Minh and MSc. Dao Thi Hoa, provided knowledge on mental health, aiming to help participants better understand mental health issues and learn how to cope when they or their children experience psychological difficulties.

Experts point out that "Mental health difficulties encompass a range of mental issues with varying signs characterized by significant difficulties in thinking, feeling, behaving, interpersonal relationships, and the ability to maintain daily functional activities."

Here are some signs that students, parents, and teachers need to pay close attention to in order to recognize when a child is experiencing mental health problems:

- I felt very sad and withdrawn for over two weeks.

- Having behaviors/plans to harm oneself.

- There are panic attacks that have no reason.

- Fighting or talking about wanting revenge on someone.

- Loss of behavioral control, potentially causing harm to oneself or others.

- They often vomit, starve themselves, or resort to other negative methods to lose weight.

- There are anxieties and fears that prevent the child from participating in daily activities.

Through this, the lecturer emphasized that parents should encourage children to share their feelings, acknowledge their strengths, resolve conflicts together, and encourage recreational and sports activities. For children with mental health difficulties, parents should not judge or label them negatively. In particular, children need timely access to professional support services, avoiding delays or obstacles, and following the guidance of professionals. At school, teachers should build positive relationships and a safe, healthy learning environment, while also increasing understanding of mental health issues. Teachers must absolutely avoid discrimination, infringe on children's rights, or disrespect the opinions and views of students. Mental health care services need to be promoted and widely disseminated to all students and parents.

In addition to supporting children and students in coping with mental health issues, parents and teachers also need to regularly practice self-care.

To prevent mental health problems, students need to pay attention to the following:

• Eat healthily, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
• Limit your exposure to negative information, do things you enjoy, listen to relaxing music, talk to friends, garden, etc.
• Avoid contact with people who tend to be negative, share your feelings with people you trust, build new relationships, participate in volunteer activities, etc.
• Practice mindfulness, manage your emotions.

Through the training session, teachers, parents, and students gained a better understanding and clearer awareness of mental health issues, while also enhancing students' coping skills. In addition, participants were provided with knowledge and skills to access professional mental health support services, such as contacting the 111 hotline of the Child Protection Hotline.

The training on preventing mental health problems for students in mountainous areas of Ha Tinh province received significant attention and support from many participants. This is a successful start, laying the groundwork for subsequent events to be implemented in Thanh Hoa and Hoa Binh provinces in September 2022.

Some photos from the training session.