KUCHING: A two-day workshop titled “Strengthening mental health support skills for teachers and counsellors” was held in Bau District, bringing together educators and school counsellors in a proactive move to address rising mental health concerns among schoolchildren.
The workshop, jointly organised by the Organisation for Addiction Prevention Treatment and Rehabilitation (OAPTAR), the Sarawak State Health Department, and the District Education Office, aimed to equip frontline educators with the skills needed to recognise early signs of mental health issues and respond with empathy and care.
According to a statement, the participants went through practical and evidence-based modules covering adolescent depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and learning difficulties.
The training helped build confidence in identifying and managing students who may be struggling emotionally through interactive role-plays and peer-sharing sessions.
“Teachers and counsellors are often the first line of support in a student’s life. Strengthening their capacity to respond effectively can make all the difference in a young person’s trajectory,” said one of the facilitators.
The workshop also highlighted the strong link between emotional well-being and academic performance, reinforcing the critical role of schools in providing not just education but a safe and nurturing space for students to grow.
This training forms part of the broader Wellness Champion Programme under OAPTAR and The International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Malaysia, which focuses on improving mental health literacy, building resilience in youth, and preventing substance abuse and other risky behaviours through school-based interventions.
Furthermore, with the rising need for mental health awareness in schools, organisers hope that the workshop will spark further collaboration and capacity-building efforts in other districts across Sarawak.
