Face To Face

We talk to JEFF DEVENS, author, school psychologist and more, about mental health, the impact of a transient life and the power of social media.

- Jeff Devens

Tell us a little about your expat path.

I’m originally from the US and I call North Dakota home. For the past 23 years, my wife Nanette – she’s involved with high school music – and I have worked in international schools: four years in Beijing, two years in Saudi Arabia, and the past 17 years in Singapore; our two children, Cylas (13) and Cora (9), were both born here.

I’ve worked as an elementary, middle and high school psychologist, counsellor and teacher. In my current role, I serve our high school working as a school psychologist and counsellor, offering workshops on a myriad of parenting, social and mental health issues; I also coordinate our crisis response team and, most importantly, enjoy laughing and learning with students, faculty and parents.

Do you believe mental health is discussed enough among families as well as within educational circles?

In some regions, particularly Asia, there is a taboo associated with discussing mental health issues. The term “saving face” is often used to connote not doing or saying something that will reflect poorly on members of the family, particularly parents. This includes discussing mental health issues.