Young people hide mental health struggles behind 'perfect' social media lives

KOTA KINABALU - Dr Chua Sze Hung, head of Sabah State Psychiatry, warns that young individuals might be hiding their mental health struggles behind the seemingly flawless lives they showcase on social media platforms. In today's digital age, social media feeds often present a picture-perfect façade of people's lives. However, Dr Chua emphasizes that behind these digital displays, many individuals, especially the younger generation, are silently grappling with feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety.

As healthcare workers, family members, and members of the wider community, it is crucial for us to pay attention to these hidden struggles, break the barriers of isolation, and provide support before conditions deteriorate, Dr Chua stated during the World Mental Health Day celebration at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (HQE) in Kota Kinabalu.

This year's theme, "Live Experiences, Heard, Real Voices, Real Change," underscores the significance of listening to those who are dealing with mental health issues and their families, rather than solely relying on clinical statistics and diagnoses. By hearing their personal accounts, healthcare providers can develop more compassionate, tailored, and respectful methods of treatment and recovery.

Dr Chua highlighted that when these voices are heard without the burden of stigma, that is where genuine progress begins.

He stressed that addressing mental health challenges necessitates a collective effort, rather than solely depending on psychiatric services. Dr Chua urged hospitals and communities to become safe spaces where individuals could openly discuss their difficulties without the fear of judgment. "Let us transform Queen Elizabeth Hospital into a sanctuary where every cry for help is heard, every struggle is acknowledged, and no one is left to confront their battles alone in the darkness," he urged.

Dr Lew Sheau Voon, head of HQE's Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, and Dr Sarah Marilyn Amin, the event's organizing chairperson, were also in attendance.