Mental health awareness is crucial for boosting overall well-being, reducing stigma, uplifting early intervention, and nurturing a supportive environment. This topic has taken a buzz in recent years as the world motions into the unknown. Beneath the smiley faces drawn on innocence could be a detrimental root, where cries for help are unheard and unnoticed. Left in the raw, young people are bound to carry heavy baggage in their adulthood.
Addressing a child's upbringing at home is one; another significant impact is a school.
At least 50 per cent of mental health conditions start by the age of 18.
Minimum research has been conducted across Indonesia, yet the continuous rise of mental health awareness has taken the spotlight – at least at the British School of Jakarta (BSJ).
Building Happy and Resilient Young People took place at BSJ's Raffles Theatre on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, where the stage, usually reserved for performances, now hosted a panel of experts eager to ignite discussion among parents, BSJ staff, and interested individuals from all walks of life.
The air was thick with anticipation as the crowd settled into the historic seats, ready for a different kind of show – one of learning and insight. BSJ's Head of Well-being, Andrea Downie, stood in her lively red ensemble as she took turns igniting thought and challenging the minds of everyone present with Child and Adolescent Psychologist and Author, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. The duo compiled engaging material, which urged participants to dwell and enact in a distinct flash, much lighter than the previous hour.
Andrea Downie’s passion for supporting at least 300 schools throughout Australia and internationally to create conditions for well-being and mental health for the youth is derived from her background in positive psychology. Her support extends from strategic design for well-being to execution, in hopes of preventative measures regarding mental illness and supporting the youth to develop as many skills as possible in their time at school.
Academic excellence continuously thrives across Indonesia until students' mental health significantly declines by the next chapter: university. Carr-Gregg added that a group of psychiatrists who work with adolescents discovered a surge of mental illnesses, particularly depression, anxiety, and self-harm since the pandemic. “There's no doubt in my mind now that mental illnesses are really the chronic disease of the young,” he pointed out.
Early intervention with BSJ’s mental health first aid training
Carr-Gregg mentioned that kids today are different from those in the past. He noticed that shift with the rise of the internet, mobile phones, and social media involving a replacement of a play-based childhood with a screen-based one.
Innocence of childhood and play are considerably significant for young people's development. Downie concurs completely. The statistics show that when Facebook was introduced in 2008, young people’s mental health worldwide started to decline dramatically.
Carr-Gregg’s first-time presence gracing Jakarta strives behind the agenda of generating mental health first aid training. Together with his partner, 48 BSJ staff members are closely trained over the course of two sessions, each lasting two days. They are, ultimately, the eyes and ears of the school.
“Similar to a workplace where people are trained in first aid, we're now looking at how we can train people in schools to become experts in this matter,” explained Carr-Gregg. An accredited certificate is procurable and is internationally recognised, as a confirmation that teachers have the skills, knowledge, and strategies to intervene when they suspect a student might be dealing with issues such as depression or anxiety.
“As a psychologist who works with young people, I noticed that many of my patients came to me very late, often after a long delay between the onset of their mental health issues and when they finally sought help,” he continued. Schools can therefore refer students for early treatment.
“Early diagnosis and intervention are linked to much better outcomes,” he added.
Training of these 48 staff members is a significant investment by the school in the well-being of their students, and that's commendable to Downie. “Over the next three years, our strategy is to train all students and staff in youth mental health care. It's essential for BSJ because it goes beyond for all schools around the world as the same complexities are faced relating to mental health concerns in young people,” she stated.
Challenging, indeed, students experiencing mental health issues is common as well. Again, this isn't unique to BSJ—every school faces similar challenges. “There is no learning without well-being,” as Carr-Gregg puts it. Preventative efforts are vital. One in four or five young people will likely face a mental health challenge.
Having staff and teachers acknowledging the importance of early intervention and being capable of supporting and nurturing students is on the headline. The absence of addressing mental health significantly impacts academic achievement, concentration, and overall well-being. Standing at the forefront of putting protective measures in place and identifying issues early allows mitigation of concerns before they escalate.
Happiness in young people
Research shows that 40 per cent of our happiness is influenced by genetics, and 10 per cent is affected by our circumstances. Another 10 per cent is shaped by our intentional actions and choices.
Downie hit the next slide and Carr-Gregg grinned. Onscreen, Dumbledore of the "Harry Potter" movies and books glistened, attached with his quote: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Carr-Gregg affirmed that it takes focus to be on the right track to well-being – taking intentional actions, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and nurturing friendships.
“Savour in the moment,” he emphasised. This form of mindful reflection is vital for building happiness. As everything happens expeditiously, and young people often rush from one thing to the next, parents and teachers have the power to help them linger on moments and appreciate the small details.
“Happiness is a combination of someone’s satisfaction with their life and how good they feel on a day-to-day basis; the overall sense of contentment, not about being happy all the time,” he added.
Happiness is interesting to Downie. It's often equated with well-being, but they’re not the same. Nor is it about feeling good; it's about the full spectrum of emotions, ultimately leading to long-term contentment.
“We discussed how positive emotions make us 31 per cent more productive than negative or neutral ones, but we must also acknowledge that negative emotions are part of life and essential for building resilience,” she elucidated.
However, one of the fastest ways to kill happiness is social comparison. Social media is believed to be one of the factors exacerbating this problem, fostering comparison and unrealistic expectations. Loneliness, undiagnosed mental illness, physical illness, family conflict, trauma, and bullying will also negatively affect a child’s happiness over time.
Downie refers to four key concepts of happiness. When done swiftly, adaptation to new expectations causes a sense of nothing becoming exhilarating anymore. Hedonic is pursuing pleasure and happiness in the moment. Eudaimonic includes meaning, virtue, personal growth, and purpose—elements that contribute to long-term happiness and well-being. Chronic well-being, a sense of feeling blessed, is often tied to spirituality or a connection to something greater, such as a religious belief or higher purpose.
Therefore, happiness between adolescents and adults is lucid. Evidence suggests that the components of happiness change with age. For young people, hedonic happiness—pleasure and joy—matters more. As we get older, we tend to value eudaimonic happiness more, focusing on meaning, purpose, and personal growth.
Resilience in young people
Many consider resilience as an individual trait, but as Carr-Gregg explained, resilience is what emerges when we have access to the necessary resources to adapt to adversity. Both internal strength and external support are key facets. Resilience is multifaceted and therefore essential for overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes, not avoiding failure or mistakes.
Carr-Gregg reckons every interaction matters; unconditional positive support is vital, even during rough times, where support and valuable lessons are ingrained. The “charismatic adult”—the person who shows up, connects, and never gives up on a young person—was detailed to the seminar’s participants.
His excitement in sharing this topic lit his eyes. Quoting Pearson, he read aloud: “Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.”
Research on resilient children reveals that those who flourished after adversity had five key characteristics that can significantly shape their ability to overcome challenges and thrive:
Access to a charismatic adult: Someone supportive and reliable, providing a sense of safety, value, and being heard helps children navigate challenges and build confidence.
Absorbing conflict resolution skills: The way role models solve problems, manage anger, and make decisions are closely observed, which helps children navigate social situations and conflicts confidently.
Positive self-talk: Every child has an inner conversation. Resilient children learn to shift their mindset, comprehending that thoughts are merely thoughts, focusing on what they can control and changing their perspective when faced with difficulties.
Realistic optimism: Life is seen as it is but focuses on the good, even in challenging circumstances.
Meaning, purpose, and belonging: Children who feel connected to something greater than themselves—whether through family, community, or spiritual beliefs—tend to fare better in life.
“Resilience isn’t something we either have or don't have—it fluctuates,” stated Downie.
Inherent for all, Downie is adamant to nurture and develop resilience in young people. “Facing challenges is inevitable. By providing young people with the resources to adapt during difficult times, we support their resilience.”
Life satisfaction tends to decline as adolescents grow. Adversity is part of life; unfortunate events happen to good people, and disappointment is a practice for adulthood.
Add belonging into the mix
Who doesn’t wish to feel seen, heard, and valued? Each person deeply desires to be part of the greater good, including young people. A sense of belonging is essential to a meaningful life, yet this can only be attained when one's authentic self shows up. Trying to fit in, on the other flip of the coin, is a major barrier to belonging and disrupts the natural connection humans seek.
“I’m concerned over my clients, particularly the young people when they express a lack of connection to something bigger. Their lives can feel devoid of purpose.
Research and clinical experience consistently show that a sense of spirituality, purpose, or belonging is critical for happiness,” he called.
Others’ perceptions don’t matter—it’s our own that does. Even if someone has a wide social network and they feel they don’t belong, their perception becomes the reality. This sense of belonging impacts the brain and can shape their emotional and mental well-being. Hyperindividualism—the focus on being the best in the world instead of the best for the world—also poses a challenge to belonging. Humans are wired for interconnection, and when this connection breaks down, it creates a significant barrier to belonging.
Research also indicates that contribution—helping others or positively impacting—often has a far greater impact on well-being than personal achievements. Hence, schools emphasise service and volunteer work; when young people are focused on goals beyond themselves, their sense of fulfilment and happiness increases.
Mark Steger, one of Downie’s favourite researchers, discusses questions directed at young people. Instead of asking them what they want to do when they finish school, we should ask what difference they want to make. “This shift fosters true meaning and lasting well-being; from centring on what they can receive in exchange for their contribution,” she gushed.
Parents, this is your homework
Every study Carr-Gregg has seen shows that parental interest in education is the greatest predictor of academic success, which is crucial for a child’s development. Partnering with parents is key to supporting the mental health of young people.
Take the lead in open conversations. Asking questions as simple as “What do you think?” reinforces children to express themselves, fostering deeper connections and helping them form meaningful experiences. Children are similar to sponges, absorbing everything parents do. Modelling good behaviour is one of the most powerful tools for cultivating their happiness.
Another key factor he calls “spark” aids in shaping a child's identity. Does a child, at 10, have something that excites them each morning—something they love and are good at? Such spark could be art, music, dance, drama, and/or sports. Regardless, note that kids can’t be engaged in more than one activity at a time. Parents' job is to get them actively involved—they don’t need to be the best, to participate and benefit from structured risk-taking. One of the greatest gifts parents can give them is to watch their child's "island of confidence" or their spark beam as a means to help form their identity.
Parents also naturally want to connect with their kids, but often, especially when adolescents may distance themselves and focus on their friends instead. Carr-Gregg shared simple advice to connect with their children during overwhelming times: recognise that there’s a stage in young people’s lives where they psychologically emancipate from their adult caregivers.
“During this time, they begin developing an identity separate from their parents. This can lead to a tendency not to rely on their parents as much, and this is where the idea of the ‘charismatic adult’ in their lives becomes important,” he stated.
For example, teenage girls might suddenly view their loving, bright mother as not only profoundly ignorant but also someone they don’t want to spend much time with. Instead, they will have an intense desire to be with their friends, and this need is stronger than at any other time in their lives.
It’s crucial for her, as well as other young people, to have other adults in their lives during this emancipation process. A friend of his, Steve Biddaugh, discloses the concept of an "auntie's army" — having strong, supportive women around the daughter. It could be their best friend’s mother, their aunt, or a grandparent but not the mother. This enables them to feel safe, valued, and listened to.
Young people are pulling away from the gravitational pull of their parents, waiting to go into orbit. Once they reach orbit, the relationship with their parents becomes more stable again around the ages of 17 or 18.
Above is a space analogy Carr-Gregg used for better context.
Normalise mental health
Happiness and resilience are evidently important at all stages of life, but they look different as one grows. Each phase has its role in cultivating these qualities.
Downie wholeheartedly reckons similar seminars could happen more frequently at BSJ. Connections with the University of Melbourne, where she's an honorary fellow, are a plus, as well as the substantial buy-in from parents and the evolving Loving Parent Series. There's also a plan to build a well-being hub in Jakarta with the University of Melbourne.
“The more we can normalise mental health discussions and break down the stigma—especially in the Indonesian context—the better. Educating people and making it relevant to our local context will profoundly advocate for young people,” she conveyed.
Education is crucial. Downie believes many people are facing mental health challenges at some point in their lives, therefore the better-equipped society is to support and nurture each other, and stronger, more connected communities flourish. “At BSJ, we aim to create the best well-being strategy in the world.”
BSJ works with some of the best professionals in the field, and the school’s desire to have well-being integrated into the very DNA and culture of our community will be applied over the next few years. “We value well-being as much as academics, and we understand that the two go hand in hand. Our goal is to set our young people up for success, not only while they’re at school but for the future as well,” she conveyed.
Collaboration with schools from beyond is open, as BSJ believes in the power of supporting young people, no matter where they are, whether it’s at BSJ or elsewhere.
“There are 940 Saturdays between your child's birth and the time they leave home for university or work. Parents must make the most of those opportunities to inspire and teach their children the skills, knowledge, and strategies they need to thrive in the world,” reminded Carr-Gregg.
Parents only get one chance to do this, so don’t let it slip away.
