The results of the 2024 Macau Mental Health Survey show that the risk to the mental health of young people is higher than that of the elderly. Comparing the age group between 18 and 24 years with respondents aged 34 and over, the proportion of cases of moderate to severe depression is 19 percent higher. Mental and psychological health problems among adolescents cannot be ignored; attention is needed to prevent these issues at such stages of life.
Adolescents are at a critical stage of growth in their lives, and the challenges they face regarding mental health cannot be overlooked. We also know that, in the face of emotional distress, young people are somewhat reluctant to seek professional help, particularly from school counselors, which makes timely and effective assistance difficult and results in missing the ideal intervention period. Psychological and mental health problems among adolescents are a major concern worldwide, and in cases of chronic crises, they can even lead to suicide. Therefore, it is particularly important to raise public awareness: on the one hand, promoting a better and more accurate understanding of the problem; on the other, helping those in need to identify it and ask for help, or supporting those around them who are emotionally disturbed.
In recent years, authorities have taken several measures in the field of mental health in Macau, including prevention and control mechanisms at four levels, as well as other measures to provide assistance to those in need. However, it should be noted that the causes of mental health problems among young people are generally interrelated, requiring the government to formulate policies that take into account multiple factors in a comprehensive manner. Schools are a key environment for this; they are where young people grow and learn, and are the most effective setting to shape their physical and mental health, with long-term impact on their lives.
Consequently, when formulating strategies, the authorities should adopt a multifaceted approach and build a comprehensive support framework that includes families, schools, and society as a whole. It is also necessary to invest in training and medical teams capable of monitoring adolescent mental health, conducting early assessments, and supporting treatment not only for the young people themselves but also for their families. Moreover, the use of technological tools – such as artificial intelligence – for online personalized counseling services for people with emotional or mental health problems should be considered. More importantly, authorities should help young people establish positive values so they can face adversities, deal with challenges in different stages of life, and navigate the continuous changes in society.
Macau Civil Servants Association