First Prize in the EMASI SCIENCE – ENGINEERING FAIR with their project on “Smiling depression”

The project, developed by Pham Thanh Ngoc and Nguyen Thuc Quyen, aims to address the often-overlooked issue of “smiling depression” among high school students in Ho Chi Minh City.

This initiative comes from the purpose that raises students’ awareness of smiling depression through developing the handbook “Behind the Teenage Smile: Decoding Smiling Depression,” motivating students to seek assistance if they exhibit.

The project is structured into three main chapters: the first provides a theoretical foundation on the phenomenon of laughing depression, particularly in high school students; the second chapter focuses on surveying the need for a guidebook titled ” Behind the Teenage Smile: Decoding Smiling Depression”; and the third chapter evaluates the effectiveness of this guidebook through feedback from both students and teachers. In term of the guidebook, it will cover essential topics such as the definition, manifestations, causes, and impacts of smiling depression, along with practical skills for students to adopt when they notice signs of this syndrome.

The project emphasizes the importance of creating a safe environment for students, where families can avoid imposing unrealistic expectations and instead support their children in recognizing and addressing emotional changes. Besides, parents are encouraged to engage with their children and promote participation in extracurricular activities to alleviate stress. By combining educational content with practical advice, the project seeks to provide a comprehensive resource that not only informs but also empowers students to navigate their mental health challenges effectively. Ultimately, the project aspires to foster a supportive community that acknowledges and addresses the complexities of adolescent mental health.