Sri Lanka Faces Childhood Mental Health Crisis: 60% of Students Suffer from Depression

A recent psychiatric assessment has revealed an alarming mental health crisis in Sri Lanka's education system, disclosing that a staggering 60% of the nation's school students suffer from depression. The highly concerning statistic was made public by Professor Miyuru Chandradasa, President of the Sri Lanka College of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (SLCCAP), on the occasion of World Mental Health Day. Professor Chandradasa highlighted that the crisis is particularly pronounced among older students, with the research indicating that 24% of students in higher grades are specifically affected by depressive symptoms. He further pointed out that this widespread distress in schools is mirrored in the broader populace, as the assessment also suggests that 19% of Sri Lanka's overall population is currently showing symptoms of depression. The SLCCAP’s findings attributed the root causes of this immense mental stress to a convergence of factors. These include the intense pressure of education and excessive competition, dysfunctional issues and problems with parents at home, the pervasive and often detrimental use of social media, and tragically, physical abuse of children. The release of these figures serves as a critical wake-up call to policymakers, educationalists, and parents about the urgent need for a nationwide intervention to safeguard the mental well being of the next generation. Addressing the high pressure academic environment and promoting healthier family dynamics are seen as essential first steps to mitigate this pervasive mental health epidemic among the youth.

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