Student depression: shedding light on a significant issue / Norafiza Mohd Hardi and Nor Hakimah Mohd Hardi

Mental health and emotional stress are public health issues that are becoming increasingly important, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) indicates a rise in mental health problems among adults and children. In 2019, 2.3% of adults and 9.5% of children aged 10 to 15 years reportedly had a mental illness and these numbers are anticipated to continue rising. Additionally, mental health issues are associated with increased suicidal behavior by 1,142 cases in 2021 and 631 cases in 2020. In 2021, an 81 percent increase in cases compared to 2020 was expected. The number of individuals receiving treatment through Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), an initiative by KKM, is projected to increase fivefold between 2022 and 2020 (Mohammed Basyir, 2022). This emphasizes the growing concerns and the need to address mental health issues in Malaysia. Mental health issues encompass many conditions that affect a person's thinking, emotions, and behavior. This includes depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Depression is a disorder of feelings that causes someone to feel sad, exhausted, and absent. It also causes anxiety and a lack of interest in daily activities, lasting for at least two weeks (MOH, 2012). Depression can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity. One of the components of MHPSS is the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The prevalence of depression in Malaysia may vary, but research has shown that it affects many individuals of various ages. The increasing number of students with depressive symptoms should attract academic institutions' attention for various reasons. To escape problems, students jumped off buildings, hung themselves or harmed themselves. What are the factors motivating this action? Is there any other alternative to committing suicide? Mental depression among students is a significant concern affecting their well-being, academic performance, and overall quality of life. By definition, student depression refers to the presence of depressive symptoms or a diagnosis of major depressive disorder in individuals pursuing education. In this regard, students are exposed to various difficulties and pressures that might contribute to the development or worsening of depression among them. As reported by The Star, Malaysian students' mental health issues are worsening. Additionally, the causes of mental health issues in children and teenagers include biological and socio-environmental factors, child abuse, neglect, low self-esteem, poor peer relationships, social discrimination, authoritarian parenting style, lack of love, loss of parents, family violence, and poor socioeconomic background (Kaur, 2022).