When is professional psychological support needed?

These questions were addressed by Ms. Hoang Dieu Thuy – School Psychologist at GFS – during Minitalk No. 18 of the series “Don’t Hesitate to Talk Psy”, with the topic “When is professional psychological support needed?”

According to Ms. Dieu Thuy, “Psy” (Psychology) is essentially the science that studies the human mind, behavior, and emotions. To help students better understand pressure, she introduced the “Weightlifting Athlete” challenge. Through this activity, students realized that holding onto life’s “weights” for too long without releasing them can lead to difficulties in emotional regulation, conflicts in relationships, and disruptions in studying and daily routines.

So, what are the “warning signs” that a student may be overwhelmed? The minitalk highlighted specific indicators such as persistent overthinking, frequent self-criticism, or feeling stuck and unable to find a way out. Emotionally and physically, students may feel overwhelmed, restless, or anxious, accompanied by behaviors like self-isolation, sudden changes in daily routines, or even self-harm.

To help students recognize when it is time to “put down” these heavy weights, the 3-2-1 method was introduced as an effective tool. If a student experiences three signs of emotional instability related to the same issue continuously for two weeks and cannot resolve it on their own, it is time to seek professional support. Instead of bottling up emotions, actively sharing with friends, family members, or school counselors can help students find solutions sooner and regain balance in life.

Minitalk No. 18 of “Don’t Hesitate to Talk Psy” received significant interest and positive feedback from students. Through the in-depth knowledge shared, students are expected to improve their awareness of mental health, develop coping skills for psychosocial challenges, and become more confident on their journey of personal growth.

The minitalk series will continue to take place every Thursday at noon with a variety of topics, promising to provide more meaningful sharing spaces for GFS students.

—------------------------
“Have Psy - Don’t hesitate.” is a school psychology series designed for students from Grades 6 to 12. With practical topics, diverse formats, and relatable approaches to school life, the program provides students with valuable knowledge and skills to overcome challenges, build and maintain positive mental well-being, and lay a strong foundation for success in both learning and personal development.

Share: