For Global Youth, By Global Youth

Through an engaging workshop and panel discussion, we aim to foster dialogue around the complex intersections of culture, history, and mental health. Participants will have the opportunity to explore innovative strategies for integrating diverse healing practices, amplifying marginalized voices, and promoting healing and resilience within communities often overlooked by mainstream mental health services.

Join us as we come together to reimagine mental health care through a decolonial lens, celebrating the richness of cultural diversity and embracing holistic approaches to healing and well-being. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and culturally responsive mental health landscape.

This aspect of the conference aims to help participants explore the complex intersection of global climate change and mental health, with a focus on empowering communities to build resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Key areas of exploration will include addressing how disaster events caused due to climate crisis can lead to trauma in affected communities, simultaneously discussing the importance of strengthening community resilience through trauma-informed capacity building efforts, ensuring communities are prepared to respond and recover from disasters. 

Through active discussions and engagements, participants will be encouraged to explore the uncertainties associated with a changing environment. Notably, effects of ecological grief and the psychological impact of losing familiar environments due to climate change will remain an imperative focus in these sessions.

Decolonising Mental Health:

This workshop focuses on exploring and challenging the Eurocentric biases and colonial influences in the mental health field. 

Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health:

In this workshop, participants will delve into the ways in which social media can both positively and negatively affect mental well-being, and provide practical strategies for cultivating a healthier relationship with digital platforms

The accessibility of mental healthcare services to marginalized communities is a critical issue that requires attention. Marginalized communities often face barriers such as financial constraints, lack of culturally competent care, stigma, and geographical distance to services. 

Through both a panel discussion and engaging workshops, participants will ponder how these barriers can be addressed through a multi-faceted approach involving policy changes, increased funding for community-based services, cultural competency training for healthcare providers, and raising awareness to reduce stigma. By prioritizing accessibility, we can ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equitable access to the mental healthcare services they need.

Over the years the use of social media has significantly increased especially among the youth. With its rise there has been a noteworthy impact on mental health. These platforms can enhance connections, give people a sense of belonging and can also be used for self-development. However in addition to its positives, there have been a number of downsides to social media use such as the pressure of comparison, cyberbullying, anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Our conference aims to have candid conversations around these topics to consider how participants can advocate for mindful use of social media that promotes the positive effects of social media and lessens the negative impacts of social media. 

Accessibility of Mental Healthcare Services to Marginalised Communities Workshop:

This workshop examines solutions and initiatives to improve accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity in mental health support for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstances.

Climate Change and Mental Health Workshop:

Participants in this workshop will analyse the mental health impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.