By : Mrs. Kemelia binti Omar _^K.B.;P.A.

SERDANG, 1 December – Efforts to enhance mental health literacy among the university community continue to be strengthened through the organisation of the Mental Health Intervention Forum (Series 2) titled “Understanding and Managing Overthinking”, hosted by the Intervention and Psychotherapy Unit, Mental Health Section, Counselling Division of UPM. Held online, the programme received an overwhelming response with 505 participants on Zoom and 1,315 views via Facebook Live on 21 November 2025 at 9.30 am to 11.30 pm.

The forum reflects UPM’s commitment to not only uphold academic excellence but also safeguard the mental well-being of its campus community. The high level of participation demonstrates growing awareness of overthinking as a pressing issue, especially among students and staff navigating academic, social, and career-related challenges.

The session featured two experienced panelists, Dr. Teoh Wan Yee and Puan Fauziah binti Abdullah, who provided in-depth insights into the causes, manifestations, and impacts of overthinking on emotional well-being and decision-making skills. They also shared practical approaches including thought-management techniques, social support strategies, and lifestyle adjustments to help individuals manage mental stress more effectively.

In her remarks, Puan Kemelia Omar, Psychology Officer of the Intervention and Psychotherapy Unit, Mental Health Section, emphasised the importance of creating space for the community to understand mental health issues more holistically.

“This forum offers participants the opportunity to view overthinking not as a personal weakness, but as a manageable reaction that can be addressed with the right knowledge and techniques. The encouraging response today reflects the readiness of the UPM community and the public to engage in open conversations about mental well-being,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation to all participants and the organising team for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring the smooth execution of the programme. It is hoped that this second instalment will pave the way for more intervention and psychoeducational initiatives to further strengthen the mental well-being of UPM members and the wider community.

Date of Input: 10/12/2025 | Updated: 10/12/2025 | ayna