Fair raises mental health awareness

In conjunction with the annual World Mental Health Day, UTAR Psychology final-year students organised the Mental Health Awareness Fair at UTAR Perak Campus on 13 August 2014.

The event was launched by Dr Lee Mah Ngee, representing Head of the Department of Psychology and Counselling, and Lee Lai Meng, Head of the Department of Advertising who represented Faculty of Arts and Social Science Dean Dr Cheah Phaik Kin. Also present at the opening ceremony were lecturers and tutors from the Psychology Department.

After the opening ceremony, the VIPs visited the booths accompanied by lecturers and chairperson of the event. There were a total of 17 booths that were categorised into three types, namely, disorders, screenings, and self-help techniques.

Most of the participants flooded booths that offered psychological screenings such as health, anxiety, and depression tests. They received pamphlets and information about how a particular disorder develops and ways to prevent or deal with the disorder. Students who managed the booths also provided them with coping skills and self-help techniques.

The booth with the best decoration was won by the ‘Schizophrenia’ group. Lastly, there was this king and queen of laughter competition organised by the laughter yoga group which educates the public on the importance of emotional regulation. The exhibition ended with Dr Cheah’s presence and a group photo-taking session.

The objective of the fair was to increase awareness of mental health issues, particularly on types of psychological disorders, screenings, and self-help techniques that may improve mental health conditions. In addition, it allowed students to expose themselves and share their knowledge about mental health to the participants.

A student demonstrating Laughter Yoga, an empirical-supported self-help technique to reduce stress

Visitors receiving feedback regarding their psychological wellness after completing a set of screening tests

 

A student presenting the subtype of Schizophrenia, a commonly seen mental disorder

The students and Dr Cheah (seventh from left) posing for a group photo at the closing and prize giving ceremony



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