The Papua New Guinean University of Technology’s (PNGUOT) Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Association hosted a mental health awareness program last week.

Mental health is very important as it includes one's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how one thinks, feel, and act. It also helps determine how they handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood

Director of Society of Women Engineer Association Ms. Philomena Fowler said since the establishment of the association last year, they have been carrying out mental health awareness programs in the school but then realized that their awareness services were much needed outside in the communities.

She also added that completing high school and secondary school education and moving into the tertiary level can be quite a handful and put mental pressure on the young people.

“One of the first lesson for students to learn is “Self-Discipline.” There will be a lot of distractions along the way like peer-pressure, entertainment, school work and family, but students must try their best to maintain self-discipline and always remember where you come from.”

Fowler said these are challenging times which contribute to one’s mental health, but all should stay focused.

Meanwhile, Ms. Fowler said for those students who don’t make it into any tertiary institutions, they must not give up because there’s always a way.

“There’s a lot out there and students must not give up because there’s always another way. And always maintain your mental health because it is important. As you continue to go higher into the level of your education it becomes more stressful," said Fowler.