Dr Lee delivering her talk on mental health at Tech Dome Penang in Komtar.
PARENTS, teachers and carers should be aware of their mental health as stress can also affect children under their care.
Registrar in Psychiatry Dr Lee Sze Chet said stress could be contagious and affect others as well.
“Stressed out parents will have stressed out children. However, stress and sadness is natural and at times, it can be useful for the individual.
“This can be seen though the Yerkes–Dodson law which dictates that a certain amount of stress can actually enhance a person to do better,” she said during a recent mental health talk at Tech Dome Penang in Komtar.
Dr Lee added it was important for parents and guardians to also be aware of signs of depression among children.
“Just as adults would feel depressed, the same can be said for children.
“Symptoms include being unable to sleep, do not feel like waking up, feeling worthless and having suicidal thoughts.
“If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is best to seek professional help.
“Depression is not a sign of weakness and for some cases, it won’t go away but there are treatments available,” she said.
Dr Lee urged for children and adults to include exercise in their weekly routine as it could help to reduce stress and strengthen mental health.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy launched the event organised by the Kiwanis Club of Penang Central.
Also present were Kiwanis Club of Penang Central president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai and Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Dr Khong Yoon Loong.
The next talk on ‘Managing Trauma In Children and Adolescents’ by consultant child psychiatrist Datuk Dr Lai Fong Hwa and ‘Classroom Management’ by Datin Indranee Liew will be on March 23 from 1pm to 5pm.
The event will be held at the Tech Dome Penang. Admission is free.
For details, call 012-4837013 or login in to the Kiwanis Club of Penang Central Facebook page.
