SUICIDE PREVENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: Suicide among adolescents is a significant public health concern, with increasing rates linked to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. Despite the growing prevalence of these issues, stigma, lack of awareness, and limited knowledge of available resources often prevent young individuals from seeking help. School-based interventions have been identified as effective strategies for promoting mental health awareness and early prevention. Methods and Materials: This project implemented a school-based Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support Awareness Campaign in a high school setting. The campaign utilized a multi-component approach, including educational posters, student handouts, a school-wide presentation delivered by a mental health professional, and collaboration with school counsellors and staff. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were administered anonymously to assess students’ knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. Results: Findings from the survey analysis indicated a measurable improvement in students’ understanding of mental health issues and their ability to recognize warning signs of suicide. Awareness of available support resources increased significantly following the campaign. Additionally, students reported greater comfort in discussing mental health concerns and seeking help. Qualitative feedback highlighted the effectiveness of the professional presentation and visual materials in reinforcing key messages. Conclusion: The campaign demonstrated that school-based awareness initiatives can effectively enhance mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and promote help-seeking behaviour among adolescents. Although limited by its short duration and single-site implementation, the project provides evidence supporting the value of preventive, education-focused interventions in school settings. Future initiatives should consider longer implementation periods and expanded stakeholder involvement to sustain impact.