Navigating Life with a Mental Health Condition as a Youth

Link to Article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/youth-mental-health-illness-singapore-help-treatment-2649296

After making it through secondary school without any close friends, introverted teenager Poh Zhi Nan vowed to “be a new person” at junior college.

He said ‘hi’ to everyone, went out with different people. But like any teen searching for identity, he wondered: “Who am I? Why am I trying so hard to be that outgoing person that I’m not?”

Before he could find a new rhythm, however, the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, and schools switched to home-based learning. Without face-to-face interactions and support, Poh grew more anxious, ever so stressed, and began imagining worst-case scenarios.

He tried speaking to his parents about getting professional help – but they thought he was possessed. They put him through an exorcism ritual that left him traumatised.

“To their generation, there’s no such thing as mental health issues,” said Poh, now 19.

Things didn’t improve when in-person classes resumed. He got panic attacks, and was taken to hospital and diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

That’s when he decided to prioritise his mental well-being – and made the “unglamorous” call to take a break from school.

He also knocked on several doors, approaching a few public hospitals and private healthcare providers, before he found a treatment setting and team he felt comfortable with.

Poh has not been alone in his struggle with mental health demons – or in his quest to get help and be better understood.

MORE YOUTHS DIAGNOSED WITH DEPRESSION

One study published last year (2021) revealed, the number of those aged 10 to 24 diagnosed with depression at one healthcare group grew four-fold between 2013 and 2018 – a more rapid increase than for any other age group.

Writing in the ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, the study’s authors referred to other research that has shown how "compared to adult-onset depression, adolescent-onset depression has been found to be associated with greater psychosocial impairment, physical health problems, psychiatric comorbidity, and suicidality".

“Early interventions are critical,” they added.

During the pandemic, in the second half of 2020, 52 per cent of young respondents in National Youth Council polls said mental well-being was a challenge.

The same year, the suicide rate among those aged 10 to 19 rose, similar to other age groups as Singapore recorded its highest number of deaths by suicide since 2012.

Last year, youth mental health become the topic of a national conversation when a 16-year-old River Valley High School student, who had previously attempted suicide, allegedly killed a schoolmate.

In the wake of the incident, President Halimah Yacob noted that schools need greater resources and support to help students with mental health issues.

In recent years, more resources have indeed been added – at the school, community and national levels. So why do some youths still find it a challenge to get the help they need?