Address mental health issues faced by students

THE recent report revealing that over 1,000 secondary students are at risk of depression is deeply concerning. The findings, based on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) as well as the Minda Sihat Screening Analysis for the 2024/2025 school year, indicate that while intervention programmes have been implemented, and that overall psychosocial behaviour among students remains “under control”, there is still room for improvement.

First and foremost, funding for mental health programmes must be adequate. Depression, alongside other mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and even learning disabilities like ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), can have severe consequences if left untreated. Sufficient funding would ensure that intervention programmes are taken seriously.