People from all walks of life attended a discussion with experts regarding the maintenance of mental, emotional and spiritual well-being in Shanghai on Aug 26.

The one-day event, which was jointly hosted by The Expatriate Center and the Shanghai International Mental Health Association, opened with a panel discussion between psychologists, and counselors and experts on mental health strategies.

Jana Van Zyl, head of Student Support and Designated Safeguarding Lead at YCIS Shanghai Puxi, said that the biggest priority in international schools is teaching self-awareness so that children are able to identify what their triggers are and where their strengths lie.

Jiang Wei, chief physician and clinical instructor at Duke University Medical School Hospital, stressed the importance of paying attention to symptoms.