The horrific murder of a 13-year-old River Valley High student shook the entire nation last week.
Mourning the tragedy of the parents who lost their child, President Halimah Yacob highlighted the need for Singapore to focus on teenage mental health and how it is often ignored.
In a comprehensive Facebook post President Yacob noted that the school, society and even the parents are often ill-equipped to deal with young kids who are going through mental trauma.
Teenage Mental Illness Symptoms: “Attempted Suicides Are a Real Cry For Help”
Image courtesy: File photo
She noted that the impact of mental illness when one is young is often more severe than someone who gets it much later in their life. Inspite of the severity, teenage mental illness symptoms are brushed under the carpet.
It was further revealed in court that the 16-year-old boy had tried to commit suicide around two years back. He was then referred to the Institute of Mental Health and was later discharged.
Highlighting this point, President Halimah was quoted saying, “Attempted suicides are a real cry for help. We don’t know the full details, particularly whether he had continued to receive psychiatric help or medication in order to deal with his mental health after that episode.”
She further added that the causes of mental breakdown may be numerous and there can be more than one reason behind it.
Talking about the 16-year-old boy, Madam Halimah said that, “We also don’t know whether it was due to school or there are other factors affecting him.”
“Parents, society and school are ill-equipped to handle any mental issue”
Madam Halimah added that unfortunately schools, parents and also society are often not well-equipped to handle such a situation.
For parents, the challenge is in not knowing whether their kid’s changed behaviour is due to the raging hormones during their growth phase or if they are genuinely troubled inside.
On the other hand, the teachers are already overburdened with work, so it is practically not possible to go deeply into the issues affecting one particular child.
President Yacob said that this requires close monitoring, engagement and observation of every child. Even though there are school counsellors, but in most cases, they are also not well trained to deal with sensitive issues related to mental health.
She highlighted how society imposes unrealistic and high expectations from young kids, especially those who perform well academically.
“Parents compare all the time. We often say that a well-developed, healthy child is better than a troubled child who seems to be scoring all As but is suffering, but we actually send different signals to them,” President Yacob added.
In some cases, kids suffering from mental health issues may require time off from school, but the problem comes when parents are not able to understand what their kids will do at home for the entire year.
She asked if there are some programmes that are designed particularly to help parents so that they can ensure that their kids with mental issues who staying at home are meaningfully engaged.
The stigma of mental health in Singapore
President Yacob mentioned that parents are often bound by the stigma that is associated with mental health.
She said that it is due to the deep-rooted ignorance, stereotype and prejudice that exists in our society against people with mental health that parents fear to react.
As a result, they end up doing more harm than good. Because a delay in treatment can also lead to disastrous consequences.
What Is The Way Forward?
She mentioned that even schools need a lot of resources and support to help students suffering from mental health issues.
Madam Halimah suggested that there are some ways in which this can be done.
For instance, schools can partner with social service agencies dealing with mental wellness. They can also run programs in schools to educate the kids on the importance of mental wellbeing.
She concluded by noting that it takes a tragedy like the above case to make people sit and think deeply about the importance of the mental health of the youngsters.
“Most of our children can cope, are resilient and will grow up well. But not all kids are the same. Some may need more help and not just from the school but from everyone,” she stressed.
If you know someone who is showing teenage mental illness symptoms, then please reach out to them. If you feel you are unable to help them, the reach out to specialists who can.
Teenage Mental Illness Symptoms: Singapore Helpline Numbers
Tinkle Friend
It provides support for lonely and distressed primary-school-aged children
Call: 1800-2744-788
Singapore Association for Mental Health
Call: 1800-283-7019
Samaritans of Singapore
1800-221-4444
Teenage Mental Illness Symptoms To Keep An Eye On
Image courtesy: iStock
Remember that while some children may not show signs of mental illness overtly, they may be going a silent battle. Which is why it is important for parents to be vigilant and note of they spot any of the following in their kids.
- If you find your child excessively low
- They have extreme mood swings
- Go through periods of excessive worrying or fear
- Have started to avoid friends and family members
- They have difficulty in concentrating and learning
- Are thinking of suicide or speak about it often
- Have gained excessive weight
Remember, mental health must never be taken lightly. If your child is showing any teenage mental health symptoms, seek immediate help.
It is important to talk to your child and understand if there is something that is troubling them. Help your child feel comfortable enough to confide in you and never judge them.
Don’t forget, timely diagnosis can often help prevent tragedies!
Lead/Featured image: Facebook/ President Halimah Yacob
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