Young Minds Under Pressure

One in three Singapore youths now face mental health challenges. Our psychologists share how we can better help them cope with navigating mental health in an increasingly digital society. 

In Singapore, an alarming statistic has surfaced: one in three young people experiences some form of mental health challenge, according to a 2024 Institute of Mental Health (IMH) survey. With anxiety affecting 27% of youths surveyed, followed by depression and stress, these numbers could signal a growing concern that requires attention. 

The digital age has brought both opportunities and challenges for youths. While technology offers connectivity and resources, it also introduces risks, like cyberbullying, social comparison, and overexposure to unmoderated content. As we navigate this complex landscape, how can we empower our young people to maintain good mental health?

Unique Challenges Facing Youths 

Today’s youths face unique challenges shaped by their digital native upbringing, cultural pressures as well as evolving social norms. Understanding these generational differences is key because dismissing their struggles can leave young people feeling invalidated. 

Among these challenges is the pressure to excel academically and professionally. The relentless pursuit of success often leaves little room for relaxation or hobbies. 

"Young people internalise expectations through various experiences including interactions with parents, teachers, and peers, as well as the influence of broader cultural and social norms," explains senior psychologist Sheryne Seah, Department of Psychology, Sengkang General Hospital. 

"Overly demanding standards can lead to chronic stress and fear of failure,” adds her colleague and fellow psychologist Lim Cheng Yong. “This is especially evident during high-stakes examinations like the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels, when academic stress peaks."

The Digital Dilemma

The widespread use of smartphones and social media has also presented unique mental health challenges. Excessive screen time can lead to sleep deprivation, reduced face-to-face interactions, and even addiction. Social media platforms often amplify feelings of inadequacy through curated portrayals of others' lives.

"Adolescents are at a stage where they are forming their identity," notes Ms Seah. "Social media can negatively impact self-esteem by encouraging unhealthy comparisons." 

Moreover, cyberbullying remains a major concern. The IMH study found that youths who experienced cyberbullying or spent more than three hours daily on social media were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Breaking Down Stigma

Despite increased awareness about mental health, misconceptions persist among young people. According to Mr Lim, they include: 

• Misuse of mental health terms: Some youths casually label themselves as "depressed" or having OCD without understanding clinical definitions.
• Self-diagnosis: Many rely on information from the internet to self-diagnose instead of consulting professionals. Stigma and fear of judgement can often prevent them from seeking help.
• Sleep deprivation: Young people often underestimate the importance of sleep, believing they can compensate with caffeine or sheer willpower.

Taking Action: A Community Approach
To combat these challenges, we must adopt a holistic approach that involves families, schools, and communities

Parents 

Parents play a crucial role in fostering emotional resilience:

• Build strong relationships through open communication and trust
• Create a safe home environment where children feel supported (e.g. affirm their strengths and celebrate progress, rather than solely emphasising achievements)·
• Teach children how to be discerning in the content they consume online (e.g. parents can share healthy vs. unhealthy ways of how they consume online content)
• Promote reflection and intentionality around media/content use and not just be a passive recipient of whatever pops up on their social media feed
• Learn to recognise subtle signs of distress, such as withdrawal, irritability and declining academic performance

Schools 

Schools can continue to implement or improve existing programmes to promote mental well-being. Since peers are often the first to recognise signs of distress among friends and schoolmates, these programmes can create a supportive environment where students can seek help early:

• Introduce cyber-wellness education to teach students about responsible internet use
• Train student leaders to identify and help struggling classmates
• Provide accessible school counselling services for early intervention

Young People

Young people can protect their mental health through proactive steps. Remember, seeking help shows courage and self-awareness in managing one’s mental health, not weakness:

• Create a habit of pausing to reflect on time spent gaming or scrolling social media, and adjust any unhealthy or unhelpful patterns
• Limit screen time and set boundaries around social media use
• Cultivate offline hobbies, interests, and meaningful relationships to reduce dependence on digital interactions
• Practise balanced thinking and helpful self-talk when facing challenges
• Reach out for help early when feeling distressed

Path to Better Mental Health

Timely intervention can significantly help youths struggling with mental health issues. Professional help such as therapy or medication can prevent symptoms from escalating, and improve academic and social functioning. "When we intervene early, symptoms are less entrenched and easier to treat," explains Ms Seah.

While technology poses risks, it also offers valuable mental health resources. Online support groups provide connection and belonging for marginalised communities, while mental wellness educational apps offer mindfulness and stress management techniques. Technology is a useful tool but how we use it determines whether it will enhance or compromise our well-being.

The mental health challenges facing today’s youth are complex but can be overcome. By addressing stigma, creating supportive environments, and using technology responsibly, we can help young people thrive mentally in this digital age. After all, resilience is not about avoiding challenges but learning how to navigate them.