One in four Sri Lankan teens likely to suffer from depression

Colombo, Oct. 13 (Daily Mirror) - A new study has revealed that a large number of Sri Lankan adolescents are facing serious mental health challenges, with one in four showing clinically significant symptoms of depression and more than half reporting high levels of psychological distress.

The research, conducted among over 1,000 upper school students in the Gampaha district, examined adolescents from urban, semi-urban, and rural settings.

According to the study, 24 per cent of students displayed symptoms of depression, while 60 per cent reported significant psychological distress.

Researchers identified several key risk factors contributing to higher stress levels. These included being female, exposure to violence, low levels of physical activity, daily social media use, parental conflicts, and heavy academic pressure.

The findings also suggest that female adolescents are particularly vulnerable to stress and depression compared to their male peers.

Commenting on the findings, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Miyuru Chandradasa, a key contributor to the study, said the results should serve as a wake-up call for parents, educators, and policymakers.

He stressed the importance of creating supportive environments at home and in schools, promoting physical activity, and reducing stigma around seeking mental health support.

With adolescent years being a critical stage for emotional and social development, he warned that failure to address these issues could have long-term consequences for the country’s future generation.