Article prepared by Valerie Velina Anaelechi
To be honest, being a teenager is similar to being a werewolf, but instead of a full moon, your triggers are maths tests, poor Wi-Fi, and that terrible TikTok you posted years back. While most adults believe that teenagers’ “angst” is only about terrible hairstyles, facts suggest that it is far more severe for many young Malaysians than simply being “emo”.
Adolescence is a challenging period of rapid development. According to Malaysia’s National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS), one in four teenager sexperiences depression and one in eight have suicide thoughts. Researchers refer to this as a “hidden epidemic,” rather than simply a “phase”.
So, why do our adolescents feel like they’re stranded in a never-ending rainstorm of mental health?
The Usual Suspects: Why the Long Faces?
It’s not just one issue; it’s a whole package of worry. The rise of social media has created a constant competition for popularity, and the COVID-19 epidemic has further exacerbated isolation. Additionally, the term “gila” (crazy) is commonly used in Malaysian society to refer to mental health issues, creating shame and preventing children from seeking treatment. Combining academic pressure and familial expectations might lead to a complete collapse.
The “How-To-Not-Spiral” Guide
Overcoming these challenges is more than simply “thinking positive.” We require a clear game plan. Here’s how we can begin turning the script.
1. Improve your mental health literacy.
To begin, refrain from using derogatory terms like “gila” or “meroyan”. The first step towards mental health literacy is understanding the symptoms of sadness and anxiety. Only 4% of teenagers correctly identify depression, indicating a problem. Parents and teachers must be “gatekeepers” who recognise when an adolescent is suffering vs simply being a cranky person.
2. Make Schools the Ultimate Basecamp.
Because teenagers spend the majority of their time at school, they require assistance there. Currently, school counsellors have a student-to-counselor ratio of 1:500, which is equivalent to managing enough drama for 10 seasons of a soap opera.
The Solution: Train teachers in Psychological First Aid (PFA) to address small crises before they escalate. Programs like “Super Skills for Life” (SSL) can assist children acquire resilience and social skills in a group environment.
3. Use Technology for Good (For a Change).
Let’s take advantage of the fact that teenagers are nearly surgically glued to their phones. Digital therapies, such as interactive therapy games or online self-management programs, can reach “digital-native” children without the discomfort of traditional clinic settings. CBT for depression is a screen-based game that can help alleviate depression symptoms.
4. Relationships Over Interrogation
When an adolescent eventually talks to a counsellor or parent, the energy is important. To create rapport, professionals should avoid “rapid-fire questioning” that might feel like a police interrogation. The only way a child will ever acknowledge, “Hey, I’m not okay” is to provide a secure, nonjudgmental atmosphere.
5. Fix “Lifestyle Lag”
Simple habits like good sleep, a balanced diet, and physical activity may significantly improve mental health. Integrating these “Super Skills” into daily living helps prevent a negative mood from escalating to clinical anxiety.
The Bottom Line: We can’t just encourage our youngsters to “be strong” when they’re drowning in a sea of demands and hashtags. By increasing literacy, improving school support systems, and embracing digital assistance, we can ensure that the next generation of Malaysians is as resilient, grounded, and ready to face whatever comes their way.