According to experts, low wages and high home values are two main contributors to the decline in mental health among younger Taiwanese. Some people believe they have no potential because they do not believe they can afford to buy a house, let alone to start a family.
More than 215,000 Chinese under the age of 30 took treatment for depression symptoms last year, more than double the number seen ten years ago.
But, the number of people living with the situation is likely much higher. According to some reports, less than 30 per cent of people with depression seek medical attention.
The Guardian magazine reported that between 2014 and 2022, the death rate among Japanese aged 15 to 24 more than doubled, even as the total price declined.
SOCIAL MEDIA PARTICIPATION
About a third of those reaching out to its counselors, according to Chinese social organization Teacher Chang Foundation, are under 30 years old.
Ms. Liu Su Fang, the chairwoman of its Taipei branch, said that her younger clients frequently have doubts about whether their employment will lead to good fortunes or whether they will be able to earn a steady income and a robust livelihood.
” Some also worry whether they would be able to afford a home, or had a home”, Ms Liu said.
Another non-profit organization, John Tung Foundation, claimed that youthful people’s continued use of social media had a higher risk of developing depression and low self-esteem.
Yeh Ya Hsing, chairman of the charity’s mental health center, stated that “our research shows that those who spend more than six hours a day on the computer have a higher depressive levels than other young people.
” One explanation is that when you’re on social media, you’re more prone to make evaluations like: Why is everyone so happy. Why am I superior to everyone else? Why are they nicer”?
Mr Ivan Yeo, assistant director and lived experience guide at Asian Family Services in New Zealand, pointed to another issue: the COVID- 19 crisis.
According to Mr. Yeo, there was also a rise in the understanding and knowledge of what mental health was during that time, according to Mr. Yeo on CNA’s East Asia Tomorrow program.