Survey reveals one-third of Singaporean youth struggle with severe mental health issues
A national study by the Institute of Mental Health reveals that 30.6% of Singaporean youth suffer from severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress, driven by factors like excessive social media use, body image concerns, and cyberbullying. The findings emphasize the need for early intervention and targeted mental health strategies.
A significant portion of Singapore’s youth are experiencing severe mental health challenges, according to a comprehensive national survey conducted by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
The National Youth Mental Health Study (NYMHS), released on 19 September 2023, found that 30.6% of individuals aged 15 to 35 reported severe or extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress, with key risk factors including excessive social media use, body shape concerns, and experiences of cyberbullying.
The study, which surveyed 2,600 Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, highlights the growing mental health concerns among Singaporean youth and suggests the need for more targeted interventions and support systems.
Mental Health Issues Prevalent Among Youth
Anxiety was the most common mental health issue, with 27% of respondents reporting severe or extremely severe symptoms, followed by depression (14.9%) and stress (12.9%).
These findings underscore the high prevalence of mental health issues among young people, particularly in those aged 15 to 24, who were more likely to report severe symptoms compared to older participants.
According to the IMH, young people who were female, single, unemployed, or had lower levels of education or household income were more prone to severe mental health symptoms.
For example, youth with monthly household incomes below S$5,000 were more likely to experience severe anxiety.
Key Risk Factors: Social Media, Body Image, and Cyberbullying
The study identified three major factors linked to severe mental health symptoms:
- Excessive Social Media Use: Around 27% of respondents reported using social media for more than three hours daily, which was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of severe mental health issues. Youth with excessive social media use were 1.5 to 1.6 times more likely to experience severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.
- Body Shape Concerns: About 20.2% of youth had moderate to severe concerns about their body image. These individuals were 4.9 times more likely to experience severe depression, 4.3 times more likely to experience severe anxiety, and 4.5 times more likely to suffer from severe stress. Such concerns were often linked to social media exposure, which can perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and increase dissatisfaction with one’s body.
- Cyberbullying: One in five youth (21%) reported being victims of cyberbullying. These individuals were approximately twice as likely to report severe mental health symptoms compared to those who had not experienced such harassment. The anonymity and pervasive nature of online bullying exacerbates the mental health toll on young people, according to the study.
Demographics at Higher Risk
The study found that specific demographics were more vulnerable to mental health issues. Young people aged 15 to 24 were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly females, those who were single, and those with lower levels of education, such as junior college or vocational qualifications.
The Malay ethnic group was also found to have a higher prevalence of severe mental health symptoms compared to other ethnic groups.
Barriers to Seeking Help and Sources of Support
Although about 69.1% of those with severe mental health symptoms sought help—primarily from family and friends—a significant portion of young people hesitated to seek professional support.
The top reasons included concerns about privacy, fear of judgment, and doubts about the effectiveness of professional services.
Among those who sought help, family and friends were the most common sources of support (57.9%), followed by self-help measures (31.1%) and medical services (20.1%).
However, the reluctance to seek professional help highlights the need for continued efforts to destigmatize mental health treatment and increase awareness of available services.
Protective Factors: Resilience, Social Support, and Self-Esteem
The study also identified factors that helped mitigate mental health challenges. Youth who reported higher levels of resilience, perceived social support, and self-esteem were significantly less likely to experience severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.
This suggests that fostering strong support networks and building resilience in youth could play a critical role in improving their mental well-being.
Government Response and Preventive Measures
The findings of the NYMHS support Singapore’s broader National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy, launched in October 2023, which adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to addressing mental health concerns. Schools have already begun integrating mental health education into their curricula, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to manage their well-being.
Additionally, the government introduced the Parenting for Wellness toolbox in September 2023 to help parents manage their children’s screen time and promote healthy social media usage.
A guide on responsible social media use, expected to be released by mid-2025, will offer further strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of excessive screen time and online harassment.
Future Implications and Policy Development
Associate Professor Swapna Verma, chairman of IMH’s medical board and co-principal investigator of the study, emphasized the importance of early intervention.
“Not all individuals with severe or extremely severe symptoms of depression or anxiety have a clinical condition, but being in such states for a prolonged period of time can be detrimental to their well-being,” she said.
The study’s data will help policymakers and healthcare providers develop more targeted approaches to address the mental health needs of Singapore’s youth, especially those most at risk.
Associate Professor Mythily Subramaniam, IMH’s assistant chairman of medical board (research), stressed the need to pay attention to issues like excessive social media use and cyberbullying, noting their “tremendous impact on youth mental health” and the importance of preventive measures.
Support for Youth Facing Mental Health Challenges
Young people dealing with mental health challenges in Singapore have access to various resources:
- CHAT (Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health): CHAT offers a safe and confidential space for youth to seek help through online and face-to-face mental health assessments and support.
- Institute of Mental Health (IMH): IMH provides a comprehensive range of mental health services, including outpatient consultations and inpatient care. Youth in crisis can also seek immediate assistance from the 24-hour Mental Health Helpline at 6389 2222.
- Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): SOS offers emotional support for those feeling distressed or experiencing suicidal thoughts. Their 24-hour hotline is 1767.
- Health Promotion Board’s National Care Hotline: This hotline provides immediate emotional support for those in need and can be reached at 1800-202-6868.
- Counselling Services: School-based counsellors, as well as community-based services such as TOUCH Youth, provide further avenues of support for young people grappling with mental health issues.
