Recently, the Public Health Ministry initiated Kru Care Jai, a training program designed to enhance teachers’ abilities in preventing mental health issues among students.
This initiative comes in response to data indicating a high risk of mental illness in Thai youth, with 17% showing tendencies of self-harm.
Dr. Cholnan from the Public Health Ministry highlighted that Thai teenagers, particularly those aged 13 to 17, are increasingly vulnerable to mental health challenges.
These issues often stem from behavioral, emotional, and social struggles, potentially leading to severe psychiatric conditions.
The Department of Mental Health’s 2022 report revealed a concerning trend: approximately one in seven teens aged 10 to 19, and nearly one in fourteen children aged 5 to 9 in Thailand suffer from mental, nervous, or emotional disorders.
Additionally, the report found that 17.6% of young people aged 13 to 17 have considered self-harm, with suicide ranking as the third most common cause of death among this age group.
Factors like bullying, violence, neglect, and abuse are significant contributors to these mental health issues.
The Kru Care Jai program is part of the national strategy for 2018-2037, focusing on human resource development and enhancement. This strategy is implemented by the Department of Mental Health.
Dr. Cholnan announced that the Public Health Ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Education and its networks.
This partnership aims to provide teachers with essential training in mental health, starting with schools in Bangkok and nearby regions.
Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the permanent secretary of the Public Health Ministry, emphasized the program’s focus on vital skills such as effective listening, identifying mental health risks, and preventing violence and bullying in schools.
He noted that today’s youth require more than academic education; they need attentive communication and understanding.
To further support this initiative, the Department of Mental Health has developed an app named School Health Hero.
This tool allows teachers to monitor students showing signs of mental health issues and offers online consultations and support. In the 2022 academic year, the app helped 73% of at-risk students receive assistance and show improvement.
