Mental Health Crisis in Youth: Experts Warn of Growing Concerns

A report highlights a mental health crisis affecting today's youth, with a sharp increase in sadness, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts globally. The pandemic exacerbated the issue, but underlying causes, such as social media use and lack of face-to-face socialization, have been identified. Experts warn that the crisis will continue to worsen unless addressed, with young people spending excessive time on smartphones and social media.

The mental health crisis among today's youth has reached alarming proportions, with a sharp increase in sadness, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, but underlying causes such as excessive social media use and lack of face-to-face socialization have been identified as significant contributors Prudential and Prudence Foundation Provide Free Mental Health Support to Vulnerable Communities^[1].

According to the World Health Organization, around one in seven people in Southeast Asia live with a mental health condition, with many facing barriers to accessing care due to socioeconomic challenges and financial constraints How to ask a teen if they're feeling suicidal^[2]. The pandemic has further highlighted the need for accessible mental health support, particularly for vulnerable communities.

In response to this growing crisis, Prudential plc and Prudence Foundation have partnered with Intellect to launch the Talk it Out initiative. This program aims to make mental healthcare more accessible for vulnerable or at-risk groups in Malaysia and Vietnam. Through the Intellect app, users will have access to a full spectrum of mental health services, including self-guided programs, live consultations with licensed coaches, clinical psychologists, and counsellors, and a 24/7 helpline .

The initiative targets various local communities, including at-risk youth, women, low-income parents and families, marginalised and displaced communities. It will also include targeted in-community workshops and awareness campaigns to help reduce stigma and equip users with essential knowledge. This comprehensive approach aims to address the mental health crisis among youth and provide them with the support they need.

Arjan Toor, CEO, Health, Prudential plc, stated, "Our mission is to give our customers peace of mind by investing in and supporting initiatives that strengthen their ability to manage health challenges. Mental wellbeing is intrinsically linked with peace of mind, and enables people to lead resilient and meaningful lives. But there is a widening gap between the demand for mental health services and access to care, particularly within vulnerable communities. Through our collaboration with Prudence Foundation, we aim to end worry and hassle for people with a mental health condition" .

Diana Guzman, Chair of Prudence Foundation and Chief Sustainability Officer, Prudential plc, added, "Our goal is to create meaningful, lasting change and build long-term health resilience. Across our markets, millions remain without health protection, not due to a lack of need, but because of affordability and access barriers. Mental health is a critical part of this equation. Without support for emotional and psychological wellbeing, individuals and families are left vulnerable to the pressures of daily life. That's why we're investing in targeted programmes like Talk It Out, which provide free, culturally relevant mental health support to those who need it most. By reaching vulnerable communities with accessible care, we're not just filling a gap-we're laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient lives" .

Theodoric Chew, CEO and Co-Founder, Intellect, emphasized, "Our work with Prudence Foundation is a step towards building mental health resources and solutions that are universally accessible, especially for vulnerable and at-risk communities. By leveraging technology, our clinical expertise and on-the-ground networks, we are able to deliver meaningful care to those who need it most, in a way that's scalable, localised, and sustainable" .

The Talk it Out initiative reflects Prudence Foundation's commitment to building long-term health resilience by addressing mental well-being as a vital component of overall health. By providing free, culturally relevant mental health support to vulnerable communities, Prudential and Prudence Foundation are taking a significant step towards addressing the mental health crisis among today's youth.