PETALING JAYA, August 29, 2024 — The mental health crisis among Malaysian children has reached alarming proportions, with the rate of mental health issues doubling in recent years, according to experts. Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital psychiatrist, Dr. Norzila Zakaria, voiced serious concern over the sharp rise in cases among children aged five to 15, stressing the need for immediate intervention.
“The incidence of mental health issues in children has increased from 7.9%, or 424,000 cases in 2019, to 16.5%, or 922,318 cases, last year,” Dr. Norzila reported. She attributed this troubling trend to a variety of factors, including academic pressure, the challenges of keeping pace with technological advancements, the pervasive influence of social media, reduced family time, and conflicts arising from poverty and divorce.
Dr. Norzila emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that in 2023, Malaysia’s population included 9.13 million children under the age of 18. With nearly a million of these children now facing mental health challenges, the situation demands urgent attention.
Despite ongoing efforts to address the issue, Dr. Norzila warned that the problem has escalated to a critical level. She outlined the various forms of depression observed among affected children, including major and persistent depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and psychotic depression.
“Teenagers suffering from depression often withdraw from school activities, including learning, which can exacerbate their condition and lead to significant stress,” Dr. Norzila explained. “If these depressive symptoms are left untreated, they can impair physical health and potentially result in self-harm or suicidal behavior.”
At the Child and Adolescent Guidance Unit of the USM Hospital Psychiatric Clinic, around 150 children and adolescents, aged between four and 18, have already received treatment for depression.
Psychiatrist Dr. Azhar Md Zain highlighted the unique challenges of diagnosing depression in teenagers, who are navigating physical changes, intense peer pressure, and heightened social anxiety.
“Depression in children is often linked to stress, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. However, the symptoms manifest differently in teenagers compared to adults, due to the distinct social and developmental pressures they face. Some teenagers strive to blend in with their Alpha generation peers, while others seek to stand out, which can lead to rebellious behavior,” Dr. Azhar explained.
He also noted that depression has become increasingly common during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. While girls are typically more concerned with their appearance, boys tend to become more aware of the importance of social interactions during their teenage years.
Dr. Azhar pointed out that the signs of depression in teenagers can be challenging for parents to identify, as they are often mistaken for normal puberty-related changes. “Signs of teen depression include noticeable shifts in attitude and behavior, which can lead to significant distress and difficulties in areas such as school, home, social activities, or other aspects of life,” he added.
Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, Chairman of the Parent Action Group for Education, emphasized the critical role of teachers in addressing student mental health. She called for improved training and resources to help educators identify and manage mental health issues among their students.
“If teachers are not equipped to recognize and address mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and lack the necessary counseling skills to support students in the early stages, then even the best educational syllabus will fail to produce well-rounded and mentally stable students,” she warned.