Global and National Mental Health Statistics Among Youth
According to UNICEF, at least 30% of school-age children experienced stress, anxiety, or depression due to health-related social restrictions during and after the pandemic. Poverty, violence, gender social norms, high-pressure learning environments, and stressful life events all contribute to emotional and psychological distress among young people.(1)
Another UNICEF report from 2021 also revealed that more than 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 globally has been diagnosed with a mental disorder.(2)
In Vietnam, 14.9% of the population (about 15 million people) suffer from mental disorders, with depression and anxiety accounting for 5.4%. Similar with UNICEF’s report, in 2020 during COVID-19, depression increased by 28% and anxiety by 26%.(3)
A research study of over 37,000 students at Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCMC) revealed widespread mental health challenges during the COVID-19 crisis. The study found that 56.8% of students lacked concentration or interest in studying and living, while 56.2% experienced sleep disorders. Students also commonly reported feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and uncertainty about their life purpose.
The study reinforced previous findings on gender differences in mental health, showing that female students tend to have more sensitive stress responses to emergencies, leading to an increased risk of experiencing pressure and stress.
A comprehensive mental health support is urgently neccessary
These numbers highlight the urgent need for a systematic approach to young people’s mental health and the importance of developing support systems at home, in schools, and throughout society.
Participants of this study reported to have the limited use of systematic support methods. Most of them relied on self-entertainment, exercise, and staying connected with family and friends to maintain positive mental health.
The research highlighted how the lack of institutional support can amplify students’ mental health issues, particularly among third-year students who face mounting pressure about future employment while preparing for their thesis. The study recommends that public health centers and universities should provide psychosocial support and mental health services, especially for students at high risk of anxiety and depression. Targeted counseling services for career planning, stress management, and networking are among recommendations.
How Did Collab Lab Transform This Research into an Engaging Animation?
Collab Lab‘s mission is to make health science research more accessible and relatable to young people, and university students are their main target audience and stakeholders. Mental health is also one of Collab Lab’s key focus areas. Therefore, transforming this research becomes Collab Lab’s priority and is a challenge that Collab Lab was eager to conquer.
To make this research more accessible while highlight key academic findings, Collab Lab adopted the popular social media format of livestreaming— the current beloved entertaining platform by young people.
As a reporter, Collab Lab’s “ambassador” (key character) I-sà becomes a streamer reporting on a new “human” who embodies the mental health challenges young people faced during COVID. This creative approach allows viewers to recognise signs of mental health issues and find those related to them while being entertained.
We hope you will enjoy this video. Stay tuned and visit the Collab Lab page to watch the latest episode and all previous ones.
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References:
(*) Duong, C.B., Van Tran, N., Nguyen, A.H. et al. Impacts of COVID-19 crisis and some related factors on the mental health of 37150 Vietnamese students: a cross-sectional online study. BMC Public Health 23, 445 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15317-3
