Recent research has revealed that 60 percent of school students in Sri Lanka suffer from depression, highlighting a growing mental health crisis among children and adolescents.
According to the study, 24 percent of students in higher grades are also affected by depression. The findings were disclosed by Professor Miyuru Chandradasa, President of the Sri Lanka College of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Professor Chandradasa explained that the study identified several key factors contributing to students’ mental distress, including intense academic pressure, family-related issues, excessive use of social media, and incidents of physical abuse.
He further noted that 19 percent of Sri Lanka’s overall population exhibit symptoms of depression, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue.
Professor Chandradasa made these remarks in observance of World Mental Health Day, which falls yesterday.
