The intense stress of school was highlighted in 2016 when a Primary 5 student leaped from his bedroom window, falling 17 floors to his death. According to a report in the Straits Times, it was the day that he received his exam papers. He had failed his science, Chinese, and math mid-year exams. Anticipating his mother’s anger and the caning he received every time he fell below 70 marks, the boy decided to end his life. But while school can represent a major stress factor in a child’s life, experts warn that multiple other factors play a role in child anxiety and depression.
Peer Pressure
Kids like to fit in and be part of a crowd. They want to have close friends and to be accepted for who they are. For some young people, this is much more difficult than others. Kids may put pressure on themselves to behave a certain way, dress in certain clothes, and say certain things to help others accept them. This level of peer pressure and personal exertion can make daily stress much worse.
Family Trouble
When a child does not feel heard or loved at home, he or she can develop a number of negative emotions and responses. Insecurity and fear can spark anger, and the young person may lash out at family members or authority figures. Other children may be so troubled by marital conflict or other issues in the family that they simply shut down, refusing to communicate and sinking into depression.
Extreme Standards of Performance
School can be fiercely competitive for kids in Singapore. From an early age, they are taught to think about succeeding in their exams, achieving high marks, and securing a good place in the upper level schools. They are trained to think about their present success as the key to their future careers. For some, the expectations are just too much to handle.
Personality Differences
Associate Professor John Wong is the head of the National University Hospital’s psychological medicine department. He says that a child’s or teen’s personality can be a factor in the amount of stress that individual can handle. “Those who are happy- go-lucky tend to be more resilient,” he explains.”For those who are more sensitive and fragile, their parents and teachers must understand their temperament and make sure they do not get rushed.”
Government Solutions
The Health Promotion Board of Singapore has begun improving the training it provides for preschool teachers. With better information and awareness, these teachers can begin noting potential trigger for poor mental health in Singapore. They can start helping kids develop the emotional resilience that they need for their later years in school.
Your Child’s Mental Health in Singapore
Have you noticed signs of stress, anxiety or depression in your child? Don’t brush the problem aside or wait until it becomes too extreme. Instead, take your child to see a expert Singapore psychiatrist at Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic. We have staff that are specifically trained to deal with child psychology issues. With our caring specialists, in a secure environment, your child can get the help he or she needs to deal with stress, reduce anxiety, and resolve depression.
News Feed from Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic
Source: Straits Times, March 14, 2017