Attending the discussion were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu (Principal of the High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences), Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai (Deputy Head of the Student Affairs and Student Support Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities), and over 500 students from the High School for Gifted Students.
Notably, the talk show features two speakers who are experts in counseling and mental health care for children and adolescents from the Department of Psychology: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thu Huong and Dr. Nguyen Ba Dat.
According to the 2022 report on mental health care in schools by ActionAid International in Vietnam, up to 16% of male and 28% of female students in junior and senior high schools experience symptoms of anxiety disorders. This number has shown an increase after the Covid-19 pandemic. Mental disorders account for 13% of the global disease burden.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai (Deputy Head of the Political and Student Affairs Department) emphasized the objectives and significance of the seminar: Besides focusing on improving the quality of training, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities places special emphasis on caring for, advising, and supporting students psychologically; helping them maintain good mental health so they can successfully complete their studies and be safer and happier in life. This policy of the University has always received enthusiastic support and participation from many lecturers and scientists from the training units within the university.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai also expressed her sincere gratitude to the two speakers, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thu Huong and Dr. Nguyen Ba Dat, who, despite their busy professional schedules, still took the time to join the students in today's talk.
From the very beginning, the atmosphere of the discussion was open and enthusiastic, thanks to the extremely humorous, friendly, and approachable way the two speakers spoke. Although they covered very in-depth professional knowledge about psychology, mental health, etc., the two teachers conveyed it in a very simple and easy-to-understand way through familiar examples from the students' daily lives. Therefore, for nearly three hours, the speakers exchanged ideas and received very positive interaction and feedback from the students.
In his presentation, Dr. Nguyen Ba Dat emphasized that the psychophysiological changes during adolescence are one of the important factors affecting the mental well-being of young people. During this period, the bonds with their families loosen; they are no longer as close to or confide in their parents as they were when they were younger. Their understanding of social issues deepens, their thinking becomes sharper, and they are exposed to a broader environment, leading them to engage in arguments and rebellion against adults, sometimes believing it's a way to express themselves and prove their importance. When they discover flaws in their parents or friends, or when their expectations aren't met, they easily become disappointed, discouraged, and develop negative thoughts. Students face academic challenges, career choices, demanding exams, and societal pressures, leading to anxiety, insecurity, and psychological stress. If children recognize and respond to stress in a healthy way, along with the closeness and support of family, friends, and teachers, negative emotions will pass quickly. However, in reality, there are cases where stress lasts for a long time. And many parents only bring their children to see a specialist when the problems have become serious, reducing the effectiveness of therapy.
Associate Professor Tran Thu Huong shared: Adolescence (15-24 years old) is the period of the healthiest physical development in life before experiencing declines in adulthood. However, the overall morbidity and mortality rates increase by 200-300% between childhood (10-14 years old) and adolescence (15-19 years old). Adolescence also signals a high rate of risky behaviors, sensation-seeking, and erratic, emotionally impactful behaviors.
Each person's mental health is influenced by five factors: physical health, experiences, cognitive abilities, social and family roles/status, and personal feelings/emotions. In adolescence, especially between the ages of 15 and 24, when their awareness develops and their need for self-affirmation and self-expression intensifies, particularly due to psychophysiological changes during puberty and changes in the learning environment upon entering high school, students in this age group are more susceptible to psychological problems. Common among these are depression, fatigue, anxiety, and despair, gradually leading to negative thoughts and resulting in self-harm and harm to others.
During the exchange, Associate Professor Tran Thu Huong posed several questions, exercises, and mini-games, receiving quite open interaction and sharing from the high school students about the problems they face during puberty, especially when dealing with stressful exams and studies, including common anxieties, fatigue, depression, and disappointment. When in such situations, students often withdraw, avoid contact and conversation, and turn to games, online entertainment, and friends on social media they don't know. Associate Professor Tran Thu Huong warned that this is not a solution but rather makes the situation worse, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences.
So what are the solutions to help high school students cope with and overcome common adolescent mental disorders in a healthy way? First, they need good health, a healthy lifestyle, and a positive mindset. In addition, they need to increase communication, conversation, and direct sharing with parents, friends, and teachers; and stay away from stimulants and the negative aspects of social media.
The seminar exceeded the organizers' expectations, receiving enthusiastic participation and sharing from the students. Overcoming initial shyness, the two speakers, with their gentle and approachable style, gained the students' complete trust and encouraged them to share their concerns. Having understood the students' psychological issues, the experts offered solutions and advice to help them successfully confront and overcome them.
As Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu shared: “Today's seminar was truly a very meaningful activity not only for the students but also for the teachers of the High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities. Through open conversations like this, the teachers learned about the psychological changes their students have faced, are facing, and will face during puberty, so they can befriend them and help them successfully overcome those negative emotions. Over nearly three hours, the students gained a lot of useful knowledge about adolescent psychology, and how to cope with and overcome stress through vivid situations and stories from their lives.” Principal Nguyen Quang Lieu, on behalf of the staff and students of the school, expressed his deep gratitude to the Board of Directors of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the departments, faculties, and Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thu Huong and Dr. Nguyen Ba Dat for their contributions in organizing these extremely meaningful activities.
Here are some images from a sharing session between two psychology experts and students from the High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities, affiliated with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, about adolescent stress and healthy coping strategies.
