Nearly 20% of Thai teens at risk of self-harm, warns DMH

Almost 20% of Thai teenagers face the risk of self-harm, according to the Department of Mental Health (DMH). This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to prioritise mental health issues among the youth, experts suggest.

DMH director Kittisak Aksornwong revealed on October 18 that 503,884 teenagers aged 18 and under have registered on the Department’s Mental Health Check-in application from February 12, 2022, to October 18 this year. The app is designed for self-assessment of mental health and screening for potential problems, offering users a channel to seek advice from experts online.

Out of those registered, 51,789 users, or 10.28%, may be at risk of depression, while 87,718, or 17.4%, are at risk of self-harm, Kittisak noted.

“These figures not only reflect the urgent need for mental health care among teenagers but also serve as a warning sign that we all need to work together to solve this problem.”

Addressing mental health challenges, especially in the digital age, requires more than just government intervention. Kittisak emphasised that cooperation from all sectors, including the private sector and civil society, is essential.

Speaking at the launch of the “TikTok Mindful Makers” campaign at Samyan Mitrtown, Kittisak highlighted TikTok as an influential platform among teenagers. He pointed out that technology and social media significantly impact daily life for the younger generation.

“Creating a safe online space that is responsible and promotes good mental health is a challenge that we all must work together to achieve.”

TikTok launched the TikTok Mindful Makers project as a national initiative in Thailand, in partnering with the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, SATI App, and the network of healthcare content creators, to promote mental well-being awareness and literacy.

This initiative aligns with TikTok’s global partnership with the World Health Organisation aimed at providing people with authoritative, evidence-based health and well-being information.

In a related report in March, the Department of Mental Health stated that 30% of Thai residents aged under 20 experience high stress levels of 24.83%, have a risk of depression of 29.51%, and are at high risk of suicide at 20.35%, which are higher figures than those found in other demographic groups.

Nattaphan Suppaka, the President of the Office of Partnership and International Relations Development under the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), emphasised that a similar situation is occurring in other countries around the world.

As many as 1 in 4 people, or 450 million people, are experiencing mental health problems, which affect their ability to lead fulfilling lives.