Inside Shazmin’s Head – Ep 17: Why are so many teens depressed now more than ever?

THE mental and emotional disorder known as teenage depression is no different medically from adult depression. However, the brains of adolescents are structurally different from the brains of adults. 

Recent research has found that the rate of depression is increasing, and there are distinct gender differences in teen depression. Females seem to be 3 times more likely to suffer from depression than males.

The Malaysian Health and Morbidity Survey 2017 has found that one in five teenagers in Malaysia are depressed, two out of five suffer from anxiety and one in 10 are stressed.

The National Mental Health Survey 2017 has found that at least one in 10 young people, or 10% of 5.5 million youth in the country, have thought of committing suicide.

Are these statistics truly reflective of the state of our teenagers’ mental health in 2022?

Studies have shown that smartphones and social media have impacted adolescent mental health in so many ways. Today’s teenagers have not known a world of social interaction that does not include social media – a phenomenon that naturally has many implications on mental health.

So, why are Malaysian teens today so stressed out?

Are today’s teens unprepared for life’s challenges?

What are some signs your teen is depressed, anxious, and suicidal?

What could you do to help your teen?

Dr Joel answers these questions and more. – The Vibes, October 17, 2022

Dr Joel Low is a Clinical Psychologist and Director at The Mind Psychological Services & Training, and an exco member of the MSCP. He specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and works with a wide range of clients to help them reach their goals. 

If you would like to reach us, with questions, comments or a problem you’d like us to discuss, send us an email at: [email protected]

Produced by Shazmin Shamsuddin and sound engineered by Ethan Phoon.