Recently, devastating news of a Form One student who fell to her death at school gripped the nation. This heartbreaking story adds to the rising number of sudden deaths among young people in Malaysia and serves as a stark reminder of the mental health crisis quietly brewing in our society.
It reveals a deep undercurrent of emotional distress faced by the young whose lives, at such a tender age, should be filled with curiosity and wonder – not desperate despair and doom.
The societal pressures, academic expectations, and often-ignored mental health needs of the youth demand urgent attention. We must ask ourselves why our young people are feeling so lost, and what can be done to protect their fragile minds from reaching such a tragic end.
An article by the World Economic Forum in July this year highlighted research that found a significant surge in anxiety and depression among adolescents, impacted by issues such as climate change and Covid-19.
According to Pamela Collins, professor and chair at the Department of Mental Health at Johns Hopkins University in the United States, “The majority of these conditions start in adolescence – a time when most are working out who they are in the world and their identity within the interconnected networks that surround them.”
Prevalent issue
In our country, statistics from the Malaysian Youth Mental Health Index 2023 Study, a collaboration between the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia and the United Nations Children’s Fund Malaysia, revealed that six in 10 respondents experienced mild to severe depressive symptoms, three in 10 reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, and one in 10 experienced high stress levels.
Meanwhile, the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022 indicated a troubling trend of increasing suicidal thoughts and attempted suicides among Malaysian teenagers in the five years preceding the survey. According to the findings, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts among teenagers aged 13 to 17 in Malaysia increased from 10% in 2017 to 13.1% in 2022. Similarly, the rate of attempted suicides rose from 6.9% to 9.5% in the corresponding period.
Psychiatrist Shekhar Saxena, who teaches at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health in the US, highlighted in a podcast segment that many young people choose to end their lives because it seems easier than struggling through school, examinations, careers and life.
He finds this deeply saddening, as it reflects the state of the society we live in. And I agree with him. Have we reached a point where our society is so deplorable that our young people no longer feel life is worth living?
Breaking barriers
Mental health is a subject that many instinctively avoid, whether in the workplace, in our communities or even at home. Those who suffer from it are often scared into silence or instinctively deny it due to the stigma that comes with it.
But the truth is that mental ill health can affect anyone, and if it is not acknowledged and treated, it can damage one’s self-esteem, relationships, studies or work, and may ultimately lead to suicidal thoughts as a way to end the misery.Therefore, we need to create open dialogues, promote awareness, and encourage supportive environments to help break down these barriers. Peer support, education, and accessible resources are essential in fostering a culture where mental health is prioritised and discussed without shame. It is crucial for young people to know they are not alone and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
An area that often causes much anxiety among young people is managing relationships with peers and dating.Aside from the anxiety of forming relationships, a major stress factor for them is when a relationship ends in a breakup. Breakups can have a profound impact on a young person’s mental health due to the intense emotional attachment, sense of identity, and personal expectations tied to romantic relationships, especially during adolescence and early adulthood.
On-campus support
Our students recently held the “Heartbreak and Hiccups” campaign, marking the fourth time our university has hosted an exhibition focused on the importance of relationships. Previously known as the “Breakup Exhibition”, the event explores various types of relationships, highlighting stories of love, loss, healing and growth.
Through this campaign, our students sought to remind everyone that we are all only human. Anyone can feel emotionally low at some point in their lives. What is most important, when one is depressed, is knowing that friends, family and loved ones are there to offer support.
Such campaigns serve as a great platform to raise awareness among students, and equip them with the necessary tools to foster healthy relationships and maintain good mental well-being. Strong connections can significantly improve mental health, and understanding this balance is key to thriving.
Universities, colleges and schools must prioritise helping young people cope with emotional challenges and mental stress. We can start by offering on-campus counselling services, establishing peer mentoring and support groups, and organising workshops on stress management, emotional resilience and coping strategies. More importantly, we need to create supportive, inclusive and safe learning environments.
Our young need to understand that challenges and emotions are part of life. They need to know that they can overcome difficult life experiences and that healing is possible. They should be encouraged to reach out as an important first step, knowing there are those willing to listen and offer support. Most of all, they need assurance that they are not alone.
Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee is the chief executive officer at Sunway Education Group. A veteran in the field of private higher education, Prof Lee is also an advocate for women in leadership. She has been recognised both locally and internationally for her contributions to the field of education. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
*If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or know someone who is contemplating suicide, you can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia or sam@befrienders.org.my).
