The importance of mental health
Mental health has been identified as a matter of concern by young people themselves.
Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood. Adolescence, especially, is a critical window of opportunity in their development. Poverty, violence, abuse, gender social norms, school pressures, bullying and life stress events can have major impacts on mental health and psychosocial well-being.
According to UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, “mental health is just as normal and important as our physical health”.
“It is essential that all of us – parents, teachers, social workers, health workers, government and private sector— work to de-stigmatize mental health, understand how the experience and response for girls and boys may differ and actively and persistently promote mental well-being approaches and strategies to strengthen the prevention of serious risks in this area,” she said.
