Survey Reveals High Levels of Anxiety Among Singapore Youth
A nationwide study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Singapore revealed that nearly a third of youth aged 15 to 35 experience severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.
The National Youth Mental Health Study, conducted between October 2022 and June 2023, highlighted that 25% of respondents reported severe anxiety, while 15% faced severe depression and 13% experienced high levels of stress.
High Levels of Anxiety
Contributing factors included cyberbullying, body image concerns, and excessive social media use. Younger participants, particularly those aged 15 to 24 and from the Malay ethnic group, were more affected. Despite the severity of symptoms, only two-thirds sought help, mainly from family and friends.
The remaining third cited concerns about privacy and skepticism regarding professional help. The study emphasized the need for early intervention and greater mental health support in schools. IMH hopes these findings will guide policymakers in developing targeted mental health strategies for Singapore’s youth.