Youth Resilience & Mental Health: Exploring Challenges and Solutions

Co-hosted by:

• ISHCMC
• RMIT University Vietnam
• Learning Strategies

Intended Audience:

School leadership and student services teams, mental health and special education providers, and NGOs serving the community.

Agenda:

First Session: 12:30pm-1:45pm 

A Crisis of Resilience? Exploring the factors that are driving the decline in youth mental health 

The world has witnessed an alarming decline in the psychological well-being of adolescents and young adults since the early 2010s. Sharp increases in rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide have been documented across the developed world, and similar trends are beginning to emerge in developing economies as well. Educators, parents, and mental health professionals are experiencing these trends firsthand, often struggling to manage the scale of the challenge, while researchers continue to explore the factors that are driving the crisis. 

The purpose of this presentation is to present an updated overview of the current research evidence around youth mental health trends, and the factors that are driving these trends. The presentation will explore some of the policy initiatives that are being adopted around the world to address the current crisis, as well as case study examples of how some of these factors might be addressed within an individualised approach to intervention. 

Presenter: Tony Louw – Learning Strategies 

Room number: Room 318+319, 3rd Floor   

Second Session Options: 2:00pm-3:00pm 

Option 1: Overcoming Cultural Barriers to Engage Vietnamese Youth in Counseling 

This session will delve into the unique cultural factors that often pose challenges for Vietnamese youth in accessing and engaging with counseling services. We will begin by examining the cultural values and beliefs that shape the experiences of Vietnamese adolescents, including the importance of familial loyalty, community expectations, and the stigma associated with mental health issues. Understanding these cultural dynamics is crucial for counselors seeking to create an environment of trust and openness. 

Next, we will discuss specific counseling approaches that, while well-intentioned, can inadvertently lead to resistance and disengagement among Vietnamese youth. To ensure practical application, attendees will engage in a case scenario that illustrates these cultural challenges. In small groups, participants will discuss the case and brainstorm culturally sensitive strategies that can facilitate a more effective counseling experience for Vietnamese youth. Emphasis will be placed on the use of culturally adapted techniques, building rapport, and incorporating family dynamics into the counseling process. 

Presenters: Nguyen Ha Linh—RMIT, Le Thi Quynh Trang—RMIT  

Room number: Room 318+319, 3rd Floor 

Option 2: Positive Psychology-based School Programs to Promote Resilience.  Saigon South International School’s Journey to Helping Students Thrive 

Given the current concerns around youth mental health and resilience, creating environments where students can thrive both emotionally and academically has become more important than ever. At Saigon South International School (SSIS), the principles of Positive Education are at the heart of our approach, helping to build resilience and well-being across our student body. Through a focus on the science of Positive Psychology, we’ve developed a robust Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum that supports students at every stage of their journey. 

This professional development session will delve into the key strategies and frameworks that have shaped SSIS’s success in this area over the past few years, providing actionable insights for schools looking to foster their own Positive Education initiatives. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the PERMAH framework, explore our Middle-Level Leadership structure, and discover practical tools for embedding Positive Psychology into school culture, offering educators and school leaders a comprehensive look at how to nurture student well-being for the long term. 

Join us to learn from our experience and equip your school with the tools to empower students to thrive in both their personal and academic lives. 

Presenter: Alison Leathwood—Saigon South International School 

Room number: 401 – ILearn Room, 4th Floor 

Networking: 3:00pm-3:45pm 

Room number: Room 318+319, 3rd Floor