Academic pressure, social media among key factors affecting youth mental health
KUALA LUMPUR: Pressure to achieve academic and career success, relationship problems, social media influence and financial difficulties are among the main factors affecting young people’s mental health.
KUALA LUMPUR: Academic pressures, relationship issues, social media impact, and financial concerns are among the leading contributors to mental health challenges among young people, according to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). The study revealed that 4.6% of Malaysians aged 16 and over, approximately one million individuals, experienced depression.
Young adults, aged 16 to 29, had the highest rates of depression at 7.9% and 7.6%, respectively. Postpartum depression, assessed in the 2022 NHMS, affected 11.2% of new mothers, with the majority unaware of their condition. Younger mothers and urban dwellers faced higher prevalence rates. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad addressed the concerns, emphasizing the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health as the lead agency for coordinating mental health policies across various ministries.
He welcomed the proposed interministerial task force, highlighting existing initiatives such as the School Healthy Mind Programme, Healthy Student Programme, and the Kem Belia @ Rakan Prihatin initiative. The Health Ministry remains committed to monitoring and addressing the mental well-being of Malaysians, including young people and young women, through various programs and referral services.
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