Anxiety, stress and depression affect one-third of Singapore youth, reveals Institute of Mental Health study

SINGAPORE, Sept 20 — A nationwide survey by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) revealed that nearly one-third of youth in Singapore experienced severe or very severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.

The National Youth Mental Health Study, released on September 19, found that young people aged 15 to 35 reported symptoms such as feeling empty, tense, or upset most of the time, as reported by the Straits Times.

These findings were part of the first epidemiological study on youth mental health conducted in Singapore, according to the Health, Education, and Social and Family Development ministries in a joint release.

“Navigating the complexities of youth is challenging enough, but young people today are grappling with unique issues that previous generations did not,” said chair of IMH’s medical board and co-principal investigator of the study Associate Professor Swapna Verma.

“For instance, social media exposes them to constant comparisons, intensifying concerns about body image.”

“The anonymity of the online world has also given rise to cyber bullying, which adds a new dimension of harassment that can be relentless and far-reaching,” she added.

Cyberbullying, body image concerns and excessive social media use were found to be significant factors contributing to the mental health struggles of young people.

The IMH study, conducted between October 2022 and June 2023, involved 2,600 Singaporeans and permanent residents aged 15 to 35.

Participants completed questionnaires using tablets provided by interviewers and were paid S$50 (RM162) for their time.

The nationwide epidemiological study identified the prevalence of severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among young people in Singapore, as well as the factors associated with these issues, such as cyberbullying, body image concerns and excessive social media use.

It also highlighted the treatment gap and the sources of support available to affected individuals.

According to the study, anxiety was the most common mental health issue, with about one in four respondents reporting severe or extremely severe symptoms, such as feeling worried, tense and restless.

Additionally, 15 per cent of youth experienced symptoms of depression to a similar degree, while nearly 13 per cent reported high levels of stress.

Despite these symptoms, two-thirds of those affected sought help, mostly turning to family and friends.

However, one in three did not seek help.

Professor Swapna highlighted the opportunity to intervene earlier, suggesting the need for a stronger mental health curriculum in schools.

The study found that young people who did not seek help often cited concerns about privacy, confidentiality and the belief that specialists could not assist them.

She added that the study's findings, which pinpoint the groups more vulnerable to mental health disorders, will help policymakers and service providers craft more focused strategies to meet their needs and prevent the onset of mental illnesses.

The IMH survey also revealed that youth with higher levels of resilience, perceived social support and self-esteem were less likely to report severe mental health symptoms.

Prof Swapna stated that while not everyone with severe or very severe symptoms of depression or anxiety has a clinical condition, remaining in these states for an extended period can harm their well-being.

She added that the study's findings, which pinpoint the groups more vulnerable to mental health disorders, will help policymakers and service providers craft more focused strategies to meet their needs and prevent the onset of mental illnesses.

Associate Professor Mythily Subramaniam, assistant chairman of IMH’s medical board (research), and co-principal investigator, said the results underscore the significant impact of social media on youth mental health.

“Research around the world has found that adolescents who spend more than three hours each day on social media may be at heightened risk for mental health problems, particularly mood and anxiety disorders,” she said.

The study, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Chat (Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health), and NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, also identified the need for integrated preventive measures in schools and youth services to address cyberbullying, body image concerns, and excessive social media use.

The Singapore government, in a multi-ministry release, reaffirmed its commitment to addressing youth mental health issues through the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy launched in October 2023.

Measures under this strategy, such as improving mental health education in schools and providing resources for parents, are being progressively implemented.

*If you are lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, Befrienders offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day. A full list of Befrienders contact numbers and state operating hours is available here: www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia. There are also free hotlines for young people: Talian Kasih at 15999 (24/7); Talian BuddyBear at 1800-18-2327(BEAR)(daily 12pm-12am); Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); and Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214).