One-third of young people in Singapore facing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress: IMH study

There is no denying the fact that your mental health affects every part of your life. After all, mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, especially among young people who are navigating a world of rapid change, digital pressures, and societal expectations.

Neglecting mental health can lead to long-term consequences such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. In today’s fast-paced world, where technology and social media dominate much of young people’s lives, addressing mental health is more important than ever. A recent study has revealed that the youth of Singapore is facing mental health challenges and the situation deserves attention.

Mental health issues in Singapore youth

According to a PTI report quoting data from the nation-wide survey conducted by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), nearly one-third of young people in Singapore are facing severe or very severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. The survey sheds light on the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among the younger population, with one in three respondents reporting serious mental health struggles.

The National Youth Mental Health Study, initiated in 2022, found that 30.6 percent of young Singaporeans experience significant symptoms related to depression, anxiety, or stress. The study identified several contributing factors to these mental health challenges, including cyber-bullying, excessive use of social media, and concerns about body image. Young people who reported more than three hours of daily social media use were particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, as were those who had been victims of online harassment.

IMH’s co-principal investigator, Associate Professor Swapna Verma, highlighted the unique pressures that today’s youth face, noting that social media can exacerbate body image concerns and lead to constant comparisons. "Navigating the complexities of youth is challenging enough, but young people today are grappling with unique issues that previous generations did not," she said. The anonymity offered by the internet, she explained, has made cyber-bullying a pervasive issue that can deeply affect mental health.

The survey, which was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other institutions such as the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, is the first of its kind in the country. It aimed to provide a clearer understanding of the mental health challenges facing young people, as well as to identify gaps in treatment and available support systems.

Body image concerns adding to poor mental health

According to the study, concerns about body shape were another major factor contributing to poor mental health outcomes. This finding aligns with global trends showing that body image issues are increasingly common among young people, fueled in part by the portrayal of unattainable beauty standards on social media platforms.

The government’s response to these findings emphasises the need for a comprehensive, society-wide effort to tackle youth mental health issues. In a joint statement released by Singapore’s Health, Education, and Social and Family Development ministries, officials said that the study's findings reaffirm the government’s strategy to address mental health challenges among the youth. This strategy, known as the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy, was launched in October of last year and advocates for a whole-of-society approach to mental health awareness and intervention.

The ministries further noted that the survey results are consistent with those of previous research on mental health, suggesting that these issues are widespread and not confined to isolated cases. The findings also call attention to the need for continued collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, and educational institutions to better support youth who are struggling with mental health issues.

(With PTI inputs)