High Suicide Rate Amongst People Below 30, Unrealistic Expectations On Social Media Touted As Reason
Suicide rates for youths between the ages of 10-29 remain the highest in 2019 according to a report by the Samaritans of Singapore. A total of 71 people between 20-29 committed suicide in 2019.
“During the period of youth adulthood from 20 to 29 years, individuals are completing their education, establishing their careers, or starting a family on their own. These transitions through different stages of life can be a time of great stress and flux in a person’s life.” – MOH, MOE and MSF in a joint statement.
The number of calls received by SOS also increased for this age group from 3396 to 4124 in the previous fiscal year ending March 2019.
It is a transitional age where youths are dealing with issues that includes difficulties coping their mental health with personal relationships, doing well financially as well as finding their identity in this world.
“Individuals in this age group tend to be undergoing multiple life transitions that can bring about associated psychosocial stressors,” – Dr Tracie Lazaroo, clinical psychologist, Inner Light Psychological Services and LP Clinic.
Social media also has an immense influence in today’s generation where successes are posted online for everyone to see and inevitably, comparisons will be made.
They are more likely to equate self-worth to external achievements and failure to do so can lead to overwhelming feelings of worthlessness.
When negative emotions are internalized, the risk of developing depression and anxiety increases and what makes it worse is that they are unlikely to seek professional help to cope with it. The stigma of mental illness is still prevalent today.
Acknowledging the complexity of mental health issues, MSF, MOE and MOH plan to implement programmes to address mental well-being among youths.
A multi-pronged approach which includes building inner strength, reducing stigma as well as identifying and supporting youths at risk of suicide will be taken to address the issue.
“Raising awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health issues are critical to encourage and normalise help-seeking behaviour,” said the ministries. “Early detection and intervention are key, and people struggling with emotional problems, mental health issues or suicidal thoughts should be encouraged to seek help.”
Students and youths will be taught how to recognize common mental health issues and when and where to seek help.
Reporter’s Opinions: It is tragic when a child as young as 10 decides to take their own life because they cannot cope with the pressure of performing in school.
It was hard enough for millennials growing up being the sandwich generation, but it is harder for the Gen Z where “status anxiety” is a real thing.
Social media started out as way for us to connect with friends and family members but it is now a multi-headed monster that promotes ridiculous beauty standards, materialism where significant accomplishments is belittled to acquiring the latest designer goods and a breeding ground for toxic discussions done at the expense of the one who posted.
Working with children and youths, we learn that the brain continues developing and the areas that regulates decision making and self-control aren’t developed fully till the age of about 25.
This means that just like growing children, youths within this age group are prone to being impulsive and easily swayed by emotions. They are impressionable so being exposed to a lot of ideologies can impact them negatively.
While we cannot control social media, we can control our own words and actions.
Be kinder, be a listening ear to whoever approaches you with a heavy heart. We really don’t know what people are going through. It doesn’t cost you anything to be a kinder person.
In fact, dapat pahala lagi ada. Because you helped a person in need.
And those who need help, please do. Call the SOS hotline or make use of the interactive helpbot on FB Messenger called Belle by NCSS.
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