Diakonia 2026 vol 2- Mental health Workshop

Mental Health Workshops for Teens

The silent crisis among Malaysian youth has reached alarming proportions [1]. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), at least one in four adolescents in Malaysia struggles with depression [1, 2], with suicidal ideation affecting over 13% of secondary school students [1, 3] and rates of anxiety and loneliness nearly doubling over the past decade [3, 4]. Behind these stark statistics are young people quietly wrestling with immense academic pressure, digital isolation, and overwhelming emotional distress [4, 5].

And so, we read headlines like these :

Teen committed suicide after Instagram poll suspected depressed

Depressed student allegedly commits suicide in Seremban, cites academic stress

Two university students fall to death 14 hours apart at same condominium

Over 500 suicide cases in five years put Penang among worst-affected states

When these crises spill over into our Christian communities, families often look to the Church for sanctuary and support [6]. Yet, most local churches remain ill-equipped to handle the complex realities of adolescent mental health [6]. Well-intentioned youth leaders and pastoral teams frequently lack basic psychological first-aid training, leading to responses that inadvertently over-spiritualize or minimize a teenager’s pain [6, 7]. Equipping our churches with practical, trauma-informed workshops is no longer optional—it is a vital ministry imperative [6, 7]. To offer true Christlike care, we must bridge the gap between biblical compassion and professional mental health support, transforming our youth ministries into safe, informed havens for healing [6, 7].

Help is at hand! Please scroll below to see a series of Workshops  put together to educate all in pastoral and other counselling roles in churches has been put together by Datin Indranee Liew. Datin Indranee is  Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor (UK), Qualified Teacher Status (UK). 36 years’ experience as an educator, trainer and facilitator in Malaysia and England. Her approach is practical, compassionate and school-focused. She equips teachers with clear, usable strategies to recognise concerns early, respond calmly and support students with confidence. Her workshops are interactive and grounded in real school situations, helping participants translate learning into everyday classroom practice.