LETTERS: The prevalence of mental health problems among young people is worrying and requires immediate attention and creative solutions.
The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022 showed that one in four teenagers had experienced depression, one in eight had suicidal thoughts and one in 10 had attempted suicide.
Young people face a variety of issues that have an impact on their mental health, from the constant presence of social media to the rising demands of social and academic life.
Dr Nurashikin Ibrahim, a public health specialist, stated that the increase in the percentage of teenagers feeling lonely, which is one of the symptoms of mental illness, could be due to a lack of communication with their parents rather than a lack of peers.
"When they feel lonely, they choose gadgets. When we use gadgets too much, we will communicate less physically," she said.
She said that depression, at any age, must be identified before further therapy is provided. Therefore, parents and communities need to take the initiative which will strengthen young people's mental health.
Young people can benefit from a supportive atmosphere that is created by encouraging good living practices, reducing the stigma associated with mental health disorders, and maintaining open lines of communication.
The pervasiveness of social media has affected how young people interact and view themselves.
Certain postings on social media can worsen feelings of failure and anxiety by exposing users to idealised illustrations of other people's lives.
Another major source of stress is the pressure to perform well academically.
Many students are under intense pressure to achieve excellent grades, gain college entrance, and perform well in extracurricular activities, frequently at the price of their mental health.
With the advancement of technology, several applications and online platforms now provide mental health solutions focused on young people.
These tools provide access to treatment, mindfulness exercises, and peer support networks, making mental health care more accessible.
Therefore, ignoring the silent struggles of our youth is not an option. The rising rates of sadness, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among young people should serve as a wake-up call to us.
Help our youngsters overcome these issues by prioritising mental health, creating supportive surroundings and encouraging open channels of communication.
THIVYA RAJAVARATHAN
Student, City University, Cyberjaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times