3 million Vietnamese youth suffer from mental disorders
About 20% of them receive medical support and treatment, the rest turn to alcohol, tobacco and drugs to self-medicate.
UNICEF's 2018 report on the mental health of children and young people aged 14 to 18 in Vietnam shows that the average rate of mental disorders in this group is 12%. Common disorders include depression, anxiety disorders, fear of loneliness and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Thus, it is estimated that at least 3 million Vietnamese adolescents have mental health problems. Only about 20% of them receive the necessary medical support and treatment. Most use alcohol, tobacco and drugs to "self-medicate" and relieve mental disorders. These stimulants not only do not help in treating mental illness but also increase the risk of abuse leading to dependence and addiction.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), half of all mental illnesses begin by the age of 14. Depression is the third most common mental disorder among adolescents. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds. Alcohol and drug use among adolescents is a major problem in many countries, leading to risky behaviors such as unsafe sex or driving.
Sharing at the workshopMental health and drug use among young people: Understanding and supportOn October 27, Dr. Nguyen Song Chi Trung, Center for Technology Transfer in Addiction and HIV Treatment (VHATTC), University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, said that there are many reasons leading to drug use among teenagers. Usually, it is the pressure of self-assertion, encouragement from friends, violence, abuse, parental divorce, life is too difficult...
Most teenagers use drugs initially just for experimentation, then abuse and become addicted. "Because of sadness and life pressure, I turned to marijuana to relieve my sadness. Now, whenever I feel sad about something, I smoke to feel comfortable. I wish my family were not rich, my parents did not quarrel, maybe I would not be like this now," a young person shared.
According to Dr. Trung, stigma and discrimination have limited drug users from sharing their needs, seeking help and support. Up to 66% of respondents said they were afraid of people's reactions if they knew they used drugs, nearly 54% felt the need to hide their addiction.
"The more isolated they are, the later the diagnosis of mental disorders is, the delayed treatment makes brain damage more difficult to recover and takes much longer," said Dr. Trung.