Enhancing mental health literacy among students at MAN 1 Kota Jambi

Abstract

This community service program addressed mental health literacy gaps among high school students at MAN 1 Kota Jambi, responding to rising adolescent mental health concerns and insufficient recognition of early warning signs. The intervention targeted students' limited understanding of mental health conditions and barriers to help-seeking behavior through structured educational activities. The program employed an interactive lecture combined with group discussion methodology, facilitated by a psychology specialist (Annisa Andriani, M.Psi., Psych.). Educational content utilized the A-Z of Mental Health Module, covering five core topics: fundamental understanding of mental health, symptom identification, impact assessment, coping strategies, and help-seeking pathways. This comprehensive framework aimed to equip students with practical knowledge for recognizing and responding to mental health challenges. Pre-test and post-test assessments measured knowledge acquisition using standardized instruments administered before and after the intervention. Baseline evaluation revealed an average score of 68.21, which increased to 73.33 following the educational session. This 5.12-point improvement (7.5% increase) demonstrated measurable enhancement in students' mental health awareness and comprehension. The intervention successfully strengthened participants' ability to identify early symptoms and develop appropriate coping mechanisms. Interactive educational methods proved effective for adolescent learning, facilitating engagement with sensitive mental health content. The program established foundational literacy enabling students to recognize psychological distress, understand its impacts, and access appropriate support resources. Findings confirm that school-based mental health education effectively improves adolescent awareness and early intervention capabilities. The structured approach provided students with practical tools for maintaining psychological well-being and navigating mental health challenges during developmental transitions.