When Teens Turned Violent, the Whole City Caught a Breath
So, in July, a 16‑year‑old from River Valley High School found himself in the courtroom for allegedly killing a 13‑year‑old fellow student on the same campus. The incident screamed louder than any headline: “Mental‑health crisis among our kids.”
Why We’re All Frightened
- Stats that chill the spine – Samaritans of Singapore reported that in 2019, suicide was the number one cause of death for people aged 10–29. That’s a shocking spike compared with other age brackets.
- The gut‑wrenching aftermath – When a 16‑year‑old takes a life on school ground, it’s not just the victim who suffers; the entire community feels the ripple of grief and fear.
- A symptom, not a sign – The blood‑curdling scene and the statistics together paint a picture of a burgeoning crisis that deserves more than a shrug.
We’re Not Going to Sit Idle – Here’s What We Can Do
- Open the Conversation – Talk about emotions and mental health in everyday settings; don’t leave it alaenta in the shadows.
- School‑based Check‑Ins – Provide regular counseling and mental‑health checkpoints for students, teachers, and parents.
- Strengthen Community Support – Build networks that involve local faith groups, NGOs, and the police to share knowledge and resources.
- Keep an Eye on Symptoms – Watch out for signs like sudden withdrawal, self‑harm indications, or radical behavioral shifts in teens.
- Encourage Peer‑Help – Train older students to become informal confidants, giving younger peers a shoulder to lean on.
In short, the tragedy at River Valley High School isn’t isolated. It’s a wake‑up call: we need collective action, compassionate dialogue, and a strong safety net to halt this alarming trend. If we act now, we may help keep our young people—and our communities—safe from the deep‑seated crisis that’s threatening their futures.
The root cause
How Childhood Trauma Sets the Mental Health Stage
When it comes to the mental health of a teenager, there are dozens of factors that play a part—family dynamics, peer pressure, school workload, and even the way their favorite playlist is curated. But one thing experts swear by is the heavy influence of traumatic experiences from those early years.
The “Bad‑Weather” List of Childhood Storms
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse that leaves lasting bruises well beyond the skin.
- Neglect—when the basics of care and attention are hard to find.
- Parental divorce, the splitting of the family unit into two separate kingdoms.
- The death or abandonment of a parent, which feels like losing a life‑saver.
- School or home bullying—the relentless villain that keeps skipping the “fun” scenes.
What’s the Emotional Blow?
These stormy events punch at a child’s developing sense of self. They put up giant, unwelcome posters that say “You’re helpless, hopeless, worthless, or just plain insignificant.” It’s a recipe for feelings that stick like a gumshoe, making teen brains feel stuck in a never‑ending maze.
Expert Insight: Dr. Mark Toh Has Spoken
“You might think a teenager is little more than a catchy meme,” says Dr. Mark Toh, a clinical psychologist at Promises Healthcare. “But when you add in all that chaos, the mental health toll is anything but a meme—it’s a real, heavy load.”
So next time you hear the buzz about teenage worries, remember: it’s often the clouds from their childhood that cast the longest shadows.
What Singapore’s Young People Are Feeling Inside
In a world where social media gives us instant hype, the real drama of youth still plays out under us—tell me about the raw, unfiltered emotions that keep our teenagers on their toes.
Lee Yi Ping says: “Emotions that linger are the real mood‑killers.”
Lee Yi Ping, the head honcho at the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT), quotes the age-old notion that unchecked anxiety can hijack the daily grind. “When those feelings stick around,” she says, “young folks start to feel like their life is on pause.”
Emotional Neglect: The Silent Epidemic
- Singapore’s own Singapore Mental Health Study found that nearly half—46.5%—of adults cite emotional neglect as the most common childhood trauma.
- Think no one cared about your feelings or wanted to listen to your teenage angst. That’s the reality for many.
Why Teens Are in the Kinetic Zone
Adolescence isn’t just a phase—it’s a roller coaster that caps off school and opens the gate to adulthood. Dr. Toh explains the emotional fireworks as a cocktail of:
- A sprinkle of anxiety
- A pinch of self‑doubt
- A dash of confusion
- And a hefty garnish of “conform or crumble” vibes
All of it compounds with the feeling that they’re steering a ship that’s constantly buffeted by invisible forces.
Bottom line: It’s not just mood swings—it’s life hacks waiting to be fixed.
Modern-day problems
We’re Living in a Totally Different “Game” Now
Yesterday’s teens survived high‑school lockers and rotary phones. Today’s youth are juggling global class schedules, TikTok filters, and AI‑powered job bots. The stakes? Sky‑high.
What’s Been Grown Since the ‘90s?
- More Movers & Shakers – The world’s got a lot more students traveling. That means teens from every corner of the planet bump shoulders on the same campus.
- Rising Competition – College admissions, internship spots, and even part‑time gigs are fought over by a mountain of talent.
- Tech Tipping Points – Automation is on the march. The job that seems safe today might disappear tomorrow, prompting an “excel or miss out” mindset.
Feel‑Good Tech Is a Double‑Edged Sword
Social media can feel like a giant mirror: you see lighter, newer trends while the line to your own authenticity grows longer. That can squeeze confidence, but it also feeds the endless urge to “level up.”
Bottom Line
For folks in their twenties, it’s not just the dream of a dream job anymore; it’s a duel of speed, skill, and self‑esteem. The good news? If you can turn those big challenges into your personal power‑moves, you might just rewrite the playbook for future generations.
When Screens Turn into Stress Traps
It’s funny how the very tools that let teens make friends, build portfolios, and snag likes can also turn their glow into gloom.
Social Media: A Lonely Roller Coaster
- “Going online can feel like the one‑person party you wish you’d invite more people to.”
- A single thumbs‑down or no reply can spark a firestorm of doubt.
- When the dark side emerges—anonymous bullies with a knack for cruelty—those doubts blow up into real anxiety.
- Over time, that adrenaline‑filled fear can train the brain to think, “I’m a loser.” Stuck like that? Depression or anxiety may drape itself in the background.
Gaming Overload: The Not‑So‑Cool Addict’s Bad Reputation
According to Dr. Toh, people who can’t stop gaming are twice as likely to feel blue compared to those who play it responsibly.
But it’s more than feeling sad:
• Short‑sightedness – attention spans drop like an old video game screen.
• Focus Forfeited – harder to sit still and complete tasks.
• Delay Horror – learning patience is a mission impossible plot twist.
• Memory Deletion – remembering names, dates, homework? More like trying to find your high‑score in a storm.
COVID, the Invisible Scandal
Mr. Toh adds that the pandemic hit this generation hard:
- Kids struggled because they don’t have the adult’s perspective to turn news into calm.
- They hardly knew how to tell grown‑ups what they feared or were anxious about.
- School closures, isolation from friends, “stay‑at‑home” rules, disrupted routines, and news broadcasts calling it a “crisis” made the stress levels jump, as if the world had hit a hard‑reset button.
<h4 Learning to Cope
So what can help?
- Open up safe spaces for kids to talk.
- Encourage healthy digital habits—breaks, offline play, and real‑world connections.
- Teenagers can lean on friends, teachers, counselors, and online support groups.
- Adults should teach them how to translate emotions into words, like turning a line of code into a feeling.
Because the digital age is exhilarating, but we’ve got to keep the levels, scores, and emotions all balanced. The trick? Treat the phone as a co‑companion instead of a companion that rules the world.
Remove the stigma
Let’s Talk About Teens and Their Silent Struggles
Most teens go through tough times without a word. What keeps them closed‑off? Stigma, pride, fear of judgment, and, honestly, cash matters.
Stigma is the Silent Barrier
- People sometimes think mental health is just a fancy word for “being moody.”
- When the word pops up, some teens are scared the world will label them.
They Want to Be Independently Hard
Adolescents crave independence. “If I can handle my stuff on my own, why bother?” is a common thought. Yi Ping explains that desire. She adds that money can be a strong deterrent, too.
But Help Is Actually Fairly Accessible
In the past decade, support hubs for young folks have multiplied. Many services now come subsidised or even free.
- First‑time sessions with a consultant at IMH cost about $46.
Bonus: Subsequent sessions only $43. - By way of the Chronic Disease Management Programme, if a teen has schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety, they can snag up to $500 from Medisave per year to cover outpatient visits. Every claim comes with a 15% cash co‑payment.
Privacy Concerns Add a Sticky Layer of Unease
“Who is the therapist going to share with?” is a lingering question. A lot of help avenues still ask for parental consent when the teen is under 18. That’s a sticky point, especially when a teenager’s mental drama stems from family turmoil, Asher Low of Limitless points out.
The Ideal vs. Reality
In a perfect world, every teen grows up surrounded by love and clear direction. Hoping that isn’t always the case, society must step in where it can.
How We Can Help
- Talk openly. Just talk about mental health like a headache or the flu. This makes it less scary.
- Show empathy—listen more than you talk.
- Spot signs: a breakup, a death, a sudden illness, or a big exam flop can all shake a teen’s mood.
- Walk with them to the first or second counselling visit. The reassurance can keep them on track.
- Combine professional help with family and friends. That dual support plant a stronger recovery root.
In Singapore, You’re Not Alone
Thoughts from experts and Gen Z show that you can turn the tide of isolation. The goal? To remember you’re not “okay” all the time, and that’s perfectly normal.
Why Are More Teens in Singapore Searching for Mental Health Support?
Chong Ming Xiu, 34, founder of Campus PSY (Peer support for youths)
Feeling Lost? Your Mental Health Resources Are Just a Call Away
When you’re feeling stuck and not sure where to turn, most folks only hear about hospitals and the famed Institute of Mental Health. But guess what? The world is sandboxed with a bunch of friendly NGOs and clinics that keep their doors open for you, quietly on the side of the main road.
Reach Out Anytime with Samaritans of Singapore
- Helpline free – no price tag, just a listening ear.
- 24/7 coverage – because crises don’t follow a 9‑to‑5 schedule.
- Everything confidential – your secret stays with us.
Campus PSY’s Secret Weapon: Six Local Community Allies
Campus PSY has teamed up with the best in the biz to bring mental healthcare to the community’s doorstep:
- Acceset – for easy access to support.
- Boys’ Town – stays true to the rugged hearts of young guys.
- Caregivers Alliance Limited – because caring for others should be a team gig.
- Limitless Singapore – no limits, just endless help.
- Singapore Association for Mental Health – the go‑to, all‑round champion.
- Singapore Children’s Society – the little ones’ back‑up squad.
Get the Lowdown on Social Media
We’re humming these resources out loud on TikTok and Facebook. Come check out our pages for quick tips, live chats, and even a laugh or two while we guide you toward the help you deserve.
Anya Low, 25, design management student
Why Following Mental‑Health Pages on Social Media Is a No‑Brainer
Picture this: you’re scrolling through morning feeds, and a gentle reminder pops up that says, “Hey, you’re not alone.” That’s the power of mental‑health pages—daily check‑ins that feel like a supportive friend waving from behind your screen.
Organisations = Trust & Credibility
When it comes to anything that affects your mind, you want the gold standard. I’ve found that following reputable organisations gives you a sense of “this actually matters.” Their content is vetted, evidence‑backed, and—most importantly—consistent.
Spotlight: @letsbreaktheshame
- Run by 20 vibrant folks in their teens, 20s, and 30s who’re all about smashing stigma.
- Daily posts that mix raw honesty with a splash of humor (“Your mood’s more unpredictable than a squirrel in a park!”).
- Because they’re a group of real people, their voice feels refreshingly authentic.
Why This Matters for You
By tapping into these pages, you get:
- Morning boosts of positivity
- Gentle reminders that “it’s okay to struggle” without judgement
- Practical tips that you can apply before breakfast
So next time you’re eye‑ing a new feed, consider adding a mental‑health page to your lineup. Trust me, your future self will thank you for the daily dose of care, wit, and a whole lot of humanity.
Elly Yeoh, (@elly. minty), 28, founder of mental health service Shin.tsugi
Let’s Get Real About Mental Wellness—With a TikTok Twist
Hey there! I’m part of Tok’s Youth For Good program, and I’m all about mixing creativity with mental health. I design lessons using singing, journaling, and even calligraphy so that wellness feels less like a chore and more like a jam session.
From “Shintsugi.com” to Your Life
Check out Shintsugi—they’re cooking up personalized workshops that blend self‑expression and fandom. Think of it as a cocktail where the main ingredient is art, and the garnish is your favorite shows. The goal? Make you discover the personal “recipe” that keeps you mentally balanced.
When Face‑to‑Face Is Out of the Question
- Snap a meme or blog post and slide it into your friends’ inboxes; spreading positivity is just a click away.
- Use Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) to binge‑watch your favorite tunes and shows while texting behind the scenes.
- Host a virtual game night—virtual chess, card games, or any multiplayer fun you can dream of.
Why It Works
Connecting online automatically turns into a digital support squad. The shared laughs, the memes, the virtual high‑fives all add up to that warm thumbs‑up of community love. And if you’re not ready to meet in person, remember: a quick chat or a photo tag can be just as energizing.
So next time you’re setting up a study session or a chill hangout, think about how you can weave in mental wellness vibes. Keep the mood light, the conversation real, and the humor flowing—because a healthy mind is the ultimate life hack.
Marlene Low, 21, art student
From Screens to Stages
The Digital Dance
Back when we were all working from home, our classrooms were a blur of HD webcams and awkward lighting. We were tasked with video presentations—think of it as your own mini‑YouTube channel but with a serious purpose. We recorded, cut, cleaned up every stumble and save the link. The magic? Everyone could just click and watch. No frantic standing in front of a camera; we had the luxury of editing the absurd.
When the Lights Came On—Real‑Life Evidence
Then came the in‑person gig. Suddenly I was surrounded by actual people, not thumbnails on a screen. My stomach turned into a leaky jar of nerves. I stared at the room, felt something in my throat tighten, and thought, “Can I really do this?” But the show went on. My voice cracked, my legs shook—but I finished the talk.
What Show’s Done to Me
Walking out of that room, you can feel a swell of pride riding on top of the panic. It’s the classic “I NERVE‑ALLY KNEW I’S BAD” moment that turns into confidence. The brain remembers that each time it confronted the fright and survived.
Take‑away: Experiment, even if It’s Awkward
- Share your messes. The more honest you are, the more you learn.
- Practice in different arenas. Nothing beats standing in front of live eyes.
- Let the nerves be your coach. Each anxious breath is a push toward growth.
So, whether you’re shooting a video from your couch or stepping onto a stage, remember: each experience is a chance to step out of your comfort zone, grow, and maybe even chuckle at yourself along the way.
Teresa Tan, head of Public Policy, Singapore and Southeast Asia, Tiktok
Unlocking Minds: TikTok’s Youth For Good is Changing the Game
What’s the scoop? TikTok has launched an initiative called Youth For Good that hopes to keep mental‑health talks off the sidelines and into everyday life.
Why it matters
- It’s all about sparking a ground‑up movement where people feel safe chatting about emotions.
- Built around a peer support ecosystem that’s as friendly as your favourite group chat.
- Everyone gets a chance to connect with local non‑profits ready to help.
Meet the team behind the scene
The project is a collaborative effort featuring the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the National Youth Council (NYC). Think of it as a backstage crew ready to make the show a hit!
The impact (and a little humor)
Take @limitless, one of the nonprofit partners. Their first TikTok vid turned out to be a viral sensation—nearly a hundred folks bounced straight to them for help. It’s proof that when you put a message into a creative pot, it can cook up real, life‑changing connections.
And if you’re still skeptical about talking about mental health, just remember: the story is clear, the intent is pure, and the social media angle might be the mic‑boost you need.
Takeaway
With Youth For Good, TikTok is turning wit, community, and empathy into a single, powerful platform that encourages open conversations and real support for every young adult out there. So next time you scroll through, consider dropping a comment, tapping that link, or simply sharing the message—because sometimes the best mental‑health boost is just a video away.
